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The Doctor, en route for Yyola, on a Camel, is attiicked l)y a Lion. 

wounded, and barely escapes with Ins Life I 
fcr *>oftor. ouf bem SGfiege imdj St)olo owf cincm Rowele, n>irt> mm cincm Somen 



severely 
anflefaUeiv 






ALL HONOR TO STANLEY! 



OR, DAVID LIVINGSTONE'S 

DISCOVERIES II AFBI6JL 



Hi* Letters, which are deeply interesting, and of great historical value, art 

written in an unsurpassed style. Here and there the reader will find 

an interpolation into the most serious and thrilling narratives 

of broad jokes and humorous allusions, blending, in 

an entrancing manner, the description of 

striking situations, with those 

of a ludicrous nature. 

Horrors of the Internecine Wars and Internal Slave Trade! 

THE DIAMOND FIELDS. 



Also, 

3VL. 33© CXtLAlTuLe's 

Adventures &Disco veries 






IN AFRICA. 



r 



ihpc^csL & 



MQi)G»0g^®^§ [1(^(3 OS &^QGtf©§. 



3 



3o$X 



PHILADELPHIA: 4 
BARCLAY & CO., PUBLISHERS, 
21 K. Seventh Street, 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by 
E. B. BARCLAY & CO., 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at "Washington, D. 0. 






INTERESTING PREFACE. 




Mr. Stanley's Documentary Proof! — The Livingstone Let- 
ters! — All Doubts dispelled! — The Doctor's son Testifies! 
— Testimony from Celebrated Personages of Euhope. 

[N the 31st of July, 1872, the American residents of Paris gavB 
a grand banquet to Henry M. Stanley, Esq., the New York 
Herald correspondent, in honor of his exertions in discover- 
ing Dr. David Livingstone, the African explorer. In re- 
sponding to the toast of his health, Mr. Stanley said that tho 
applause was chiefly due to the generosity of James Gordon Bennett, 
jr., the young proprietor of the New York Herald. Mr. Bennett 
sent a telegram to Mr. Stanley at Madrid, saying that he believed 
Livingstone was still living and ought to be found. At the interview 
with Mr. Stanley, when the expedition was set on foot, Mr. Bennett 
said: "Here are five thousand dollars; when that is spent take five 
thousand more, and then five thousand more. Don't keep a strict 
account, but find Livingstone." Mr. Stanley, after describing the 
difficulties of the journey, added, tl I should not have had the 
courage to go on, but for the thought that a man of science and a 
Christian who had devoted himself to the advancement of human 
knowledge, had no hope of safety but from me." 

England was reluctantly forced to acknowledge that American en- 
terprise, as shown in Stanley's search, aided by the liberality of the 
late James Gordon Bennett, sr. (which was afterwards ably and 
generously "seconded" by his son, James Gordon Bennett, jr.), at 
an outlay of many thousands of dollars, has accomplished that 
which at home, in the mother country, was a complete failure. Tho 
doubts that were entertained in reference to the truth of the report 
of the discovery of Dr. David Livingstone, by Mr. Henry M. Stan- 
ley, the New York Herald commissioner, were entirely dispelled by 
the certificates of Earl Granville, the British Minister of Foreign 

19 



20 INTERESTING PREFACE. 

Affairs, and of Mr. S. Livingstone, the son of the long-lost AfricaD 
explorer. Under date of August 1st, 1872, Yiscount Enfield, Secre- 
tary to Ep"1 Granville, formally acknowledges the receipt of a package 
containing letters and despatches from Dr. Livingstone, which Mr. 
Stanley had delivered to Lord Lyons, the British Ambassador at 
Paris, for transmission to the English Foreign Office. Under date 
of August 2d, Earl Granville writes an autograph letter to Mr. 
Stanley, alluding to the doubts as to the authenticity of Dr. Living- 
stone's despatches delivered to Lord Lyons, and says that, after in- 
quiring into the matter, he finds that Mr. E. Hammond, Under- 
Secretary, and Mr. Wm. Henry Wylde, Senior Olerk of the For- 
eign Office, have not the slightest doubt as to the genuineness of the 
papers transmitted through Lord Lyons, which are now being 
printed. Earl Granville expresses his admiration of the qualities 
which have enabled Mr. Stanley to achieve the object of his mission. 

Mr. S. Livingstone also certifies that Mr. Stanley has handed to 
him the diary of Dr." Livingstone, which he has not the slightest 
reason to doubt is his father's journal. The diary was in a closed 
package, sealed and signed by Dr. Livingstone, with instructions 
written on the outside, and signed by the African explorer. Mr. 
S. Livingstone also says that the letters brought by Stanley are 
from Dr. Livingstone, and from no other person. This evidence 
would seem sufficient to remove even the doubts of the German 
geographer Keipert, who is incredulous as to the authenticity of 
the Livingstone letters, in consequence of the various alleged geo- 
graphical blunders contained in them. 

These despatches were conveyed to England by Mr. II. M. Stan- 
ley, the New York Herald correspondent and discoverer of Living- 
stone, and were delivered by him to Earl Granville, who, in a formal 
letter, testified to the genuineness of the documents. These letters, 
also published by the British Foreign Office, are wrkten in the 
same free and easy style as that used by Dr. Livingstone in his pre- 
vious communications to the Neio York Herald, and are pointed with 
apt and homely illustrations of an occasional Scottish flavor. One 
of the strong arguments advanced in England against the authen- 
ticity of the Livingstone letters to the Herald was the supposed in- 
terpolation into the most serious narratives of broad jokes and 
humorous allusions. The most charitable construction placed on 
the letters was that they were genuine, but had been highly spiced 
by the N°w York Herald correspondent, for American consumption. 



INTERESTING PREFACE. 21 

Unfortunately lor this theory, Mr. Stanley's report to the Herald 
was very dry reading in comparison with Livingstone's letters; and 
now that the official communications from "Her Majesty's Consul 
for Inner Africa" have appeared, all doubts are removed. The 
despatches giving accounts of the dangers of exploring the wilds 
of inner Africa, of the horrors of the internal slave trade, and of 
the internecine wars of the tribes, also overflow with lmrth, and ex- 
hibit the highest spirits even when describing scenes of great per- 
sonal ris^ It was certainly very natural to ask how it h<*Moened 
that Dr, Livingstone, who, in his printed books of travels, hav. aver* 
a mere barren outline of the adventures through which he hau mas- 
sed, should now suddenly break out into a vein of wit and hum v- 
of which he had never before been suspected. But the question 
has undoubtedly been answered, and the doubts have certainly been 
removed by the genuine despatches of Livingstone, about which 
there can be no cavil, since they have been issueu under the author- 
ity of the British Foreign Office. Another matter of surprise is 
the remarkable and unusual development of humor in Dr. Living- 
stone, for, according to Dr. Johnson, that sense does not exist in 
Scotchmen. At a later day Sydney Smith admitted that humor 
could be found in Scotchmen, but said that it must be extracted by 
a "cork-screw," meaning that North Britons only exhibit a lively 
disposition at convivial parties. The same effect, however, in Dr. 
Livingstone's case was produced by a residence of over five years 
in the wilds of inner Africa. 



/! 









ALL HONOB TO STAHSTX/E-X" 1 



DR. DAVID LIVINGSTONE'S 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. 



HIS DEEPLY INTERESTING LETTERS.— LIFE AND 
ADVENTURES IN AFRICA. 

R. DAYID LIVINGSTONE was born at Blantyre, nearGlaa- 

| gow, about 1SL7. His parents were poor, and he was compel- 
„ _} led at an early age to work in a cotton mill, picking up scanty 
to^tf knowledge in the intervals of sleep and labor. As lie ad- 
vanced in years he began studying to become a missionary, 
and after passing through courses of theology and of medicine lie 
was, in 18-10, sent as a missionary to Port Natal, in South Africa. 
He labored long and faithfully among the natives, and travelled ex 
tensively through the unexplored wilds of those regions. During 
sixteen years he had marched over 11,000 miles. While in Africa 
he married a Miss Moilatt, the daughter of a fellow-missionary, who 
accompanied him on his travels, until her untimely death, from 
fever, at Shupanga, in 1S(>2. Dr. Livingstone returned to England,- 
in 1850, and published his first book, "Missionary Travels and Re- 
searches in South Africa." He visited Africa a second time, in 
March, 1858, when he undertook the Zambezi Expedition, discover- 
ing Lake Nyassa. On this expedition he lost and buried his wife. 
In 1SG3 Dr. Livingstone returned to England, and published his 
second volume of travels, entitled "An Expedition to the Zambezi 
and its Tributaries." lie visited Africa for a third time, in lSb'6, 
ami started up the Rovuma river, lie was heard i'rom occasionally, 
uj) to 1S67, when the false news of his murder was brought to Zan- 
zibar, by a deserter from his expedition. Nothing further of Living- 
stone's whereabouts was learned until March, 1869, when he waa 

25 



26 db. da vi© Livingstone's 

heard from at Ujiji. A long silence of two years t(K;n envied 
when the New York Herald Exploring Expedition, under Mr. 
Henry M. Stanley, was sent out, and resulted in the discovery of 
the great African Explorer. 

A brother of Dr. Livingstone residing in Listowell, Ontario, 
sends the following letter, vouches for authenticity, and kindly con- 
sents to its publication : 

"I enclose extracts from a letter just received from my brother, 
Dr. Livingstone, of the date of Ujiji, Nov. 16th, 1871, which I 
presume came along with Mr. Stanley's despatches. On the enve- 
lope is written, ' This leaves Unyanyembe on the 14th of March, 
1872.' Signed John Livingstone." 

Toronto, Canada, August 19th. — The following is Dr. Living- 
stone's letter to his brother in Canada 

Ujiji, November 16th, 1871. — My Dear Brother: — I received 
your welcome letter in February last, written when the cable 
news made you put off your suits of mourning. It was the first 
intimation I had that a cable had been successfully laid in the deep 
Atlantic. Very few letters have reached me for years, in con- 
sequence of my friends speculating where I should come out, on 
the West coast, down the Nile, or elsewhere. 

The water-shed is a broad upland between four thousand and five 
thousand feet above the sea, and some seven hundred miles long. 

The springs of the Nile that rise thereon are almost innumerable. 
It would take the best part of a man's lifetime to count them. Ono 
part, sixty-four miles of latitude, gave thirty-two springs from calf 
to waist deep, or one spring for every two miles. A bird's eye view 
of them would be like the lines of the frost on the window panes. 
To ascertain that all of these fountains united with four great rivers 
in the upper part of the Nile valley was a work of time and much 
travel. Many a weary foot I trod ere light dawned on the ancient 
problem. 

If I had left at the end of two years, for which my bare expenses 
were paid, I could have thrown little more light on the country than 
the Portuguese, who, in their three slavery visits to Cazembe, asked 
for ivory and slaves, and heard of nothing else. 

I asked about the waters, questioned and cross -questioned till I 
was really ashamed and almost afraid of being set down as afflicted 
with hydrocephalus. I went forward, backwards and sideways, 



EI3C0VERIES IN AFRICA. 27 

feeling my raiy, and every step of the way I was generally groping 
in the dark, for who cared where the rivers ran ? 

Of these four rivers into which the springs of the Nile converge, 
the central one, called Lualaba, is the largest. It begins at the 
river Chambeze, which flows into the great lake Bangwolo. On 
leaving it, its name is changed from Chambeze to Luapula, and that 
enters Lake Mocro. Coming out of it the Lualaba is assumed, and 
it flows into a third lake (Kamolondo), which receives one of the 
four large drains mentioned above. 

It then follows on and makes enormous bends to the west, which 
made me often fear that I was following the Conge instead of the 
Nile. It is from one to three miles broad, and never can be waded 
at any part or at any time of the year. Far down the valley it re- 
ceives another of the four large rivers above mentioned. The Lockie 
or Lomame, which flows through what I have named Lake Lincoln, 
then joined the central Luluaba. We have then only two lines of 
drainage in the lower part of the great valley, that is Tanganyika 
and Albert Lake, which are but one lake river, or say, if you want 
to be pedantic, Lagustrinc river. 

These two form the eastern line. The Luluaba, which I call 
Webb's Luluaba, is then the western line, nearly as depicted by 
Ptolemy in the second century of our era. After the Lomame 
enters the Luluaba, the fourth great lake in the central line of drain- 
age is found, but this I have not yet seen, nor yet the link between 
the eastern and western mains. At the top of Ptolemy's loop the 
great central line goes down into a large reedy lake, possibly those 
reported to Nero's Centurion and those from the western or Pethe- 
rick's arm, which Speke and Grant, and Baker believed to be the 
river of Egypt. Neither can be called the Nile until they unite. 

The lakes mentioned in the central line of drainage are by no 
means small. Lake Bangwolo at the lowest estimate is one hundred 
and fifty miles long, and I tried to cross it and measure its breadth 
exactly. The first stage was to an inhabited island twenty-four 
miles. The second stage could be seen from its highest point, or 
rather the tops of the trees upon it, evidently lifted up by mirage. 
The third stage, the mainland, was said to be as far beyond, but my 
canoe men had stolen the canoe, and they got a hint that the real 
owners were in pursuit, and got into a flurry to return home. Oh, 
that they would, but I had only my coverlet left to hire another 
craft, and the lake being four hundred feet above the sea it was verj 
cold, so I gave in and went back. 



18 DR. DAVID LIVINGSTONE'S 

But I believe the breadth to be between sixty and seventy milea 
Bangwolo, Moero and Kamolondo are looked on as one great riverine 
lake, and is one of Plotemy's. The other is the Tanganyika, which 
I found steadily flowing to the north. His geographers' predeces- 
sors must have gleaned their geography from men who visited this 
very region. The reason why his genuine geography was rejected 
was the extreme modesty of modern map makers. One idle person 
in London published a pamphlet which, with killing modesty, he 
entitled "Inner Africa Laid Open," and in the newspapers, even in 
the Times, rails at any one who travels and dares to find the country 
different from that drawn in his twaddle. 

I am a great sinner in the poor fellow's opinion, and the Times 
published his ravings even when I was most unwisely believed to 
be dead. Nobody but Lord Brougham and I knew what people 
will say after we are gone. The work of trying to follow the cen- 
tral line of drainage down has taken me away from mails or postage. 
The Manyema are undoubtedly cannibals, but it was long before I 
could get conclusive evidence thereon. I was sorely set and hindered 
by having half-caste Moslem attendants — unmitigated cowards and 
false as their prophet, of whose religion they have only imbibed the 
fulsome pride. They forced me back when almost in sight of the 
end of my exploration — a distance of between 400 and 500 miles — 
under a blazing vertical sun. 

I ^ame here a mere ruckle of bones, terribly jaded in body and 
mina. The head man of my worthless Moslems remained here, and, 
as he had done from the coast, ran riot with the goods sent to me. 
Drunk for a month at a time, he then consulted the Koran, and 
found that I was dead, sold off all the goods that remained for 
slaves and ivory for himself, and I arrived to find myself destitute 
of everything except a few goods I left in case of need. Goods are 
the currency here, and I have to wait now till other goods and other 
men come from Zanzibar. 

When placed in charge of my supply of soap, brandy, opium 
and gunpowder from certain Banians (British subjects), he was six- 
teen months returning, all expenses being paid out of my stock. 
Three months were ample; and then he remained here and sold off 
all. You call this smart, do you? Some do, if you don't. I 
think it moral idiocy. 

Yours, affectionately 

David Livingstone. 



DISCOVERIES IN ATBICA. 



B. LIVINGSTONE'S FIRST LETTER TO JAS. GORDON 

BENNETT, Jr. 

Ujiji, on Tanganyika, East Africa, November, 1871. 

James G. Bennett, Jr. — My Dear Sir : — It is in general some* 
what difficult to write to one we have never seen, and it feels so 
much like addressing an abstract idea; but the presence of your 
representative, Mr. Stanley, in this distant region, takes away the 
strangeness I should otherwise have felt; and, in writing to thank 
yeu for the extreme kindness that prompted you to send him, I feel 
quite at home. 

If I explain the forlorn condition in which he found me, you 
will easily perceive that I have good reason to use very strong ex- 
pressions of gratitude. I came to Ujiji off a tramp of betweeu 
four and five hundred miles, beneath a blazing vertical sun, having 
been baffled, worried, defeated and forced to return, when almost in 
sight of the end of the geographical part of my mission, by a num- 
ber of half-caste Moslem slaves sent to me from Zanzibar instead 
of men. 

The sore heart, made still sorer, by the woful sights I had seen of 
man's inhumanity to man, reached and told in the bodily frame, and 
depressed beyond measure, I thought that I was dying on my feet. 
It is not too much to say that almost every step of the weary, 
sultry way was in pain, and I reached Ujiji a mere "ruckle" of 
bones. 

There I found that some £500 sterling worth of goods, which I 
had ordered from Zanzibar, had unaccountably been entrusted to a 
drunken half-caste Moslem tailor, who, after squandering them fo? 
eixteen months on the way to Ujiji, finished up by selling off aQ 
that remained for slaves and ivory for himself. lie had "divined" 
on the Koran and found that I was dead. lie had also written to 
the Governor of Unyavembe that he had sent slaves after me to 
Manyema, who returned and reported my death, and begged per- 
mission to sell off the few things that hi3 drunken appetite had 
spared. 

He, however, knew perfectly well, from men who had seen me^ 
that I was alive, and waiting for the goods and men; but, as for 
morality he is evidently an idiot, and there being no law here ex- 
oept that of the dagger or muskeg I had to sit down, in great weak 



£0 DR. DAVID LIVIJtfGSTOJNJsTS 

ness, destitute of everything, save a few barter cloths and beads, 
which I had taken the precaution to leave here, in case of extreme 
need. The near prospect of beggary among the Ujijians made me 
miserable. I could not despair, because I laughed so much at a 
friend, who, on reaching the mouth of the Zambesi, said that he 
wa3 tempted to despair on breaking the photograph of his wife. 
lie could have no success after that. After that, the idea of despair 
had to me such a strong smack of the ludicrous, that it was out of 
the question. 

When I had got to almost the lowest verge, vague rumors of an 
English visitor reached me. I thought of myself as the man who 
went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, but neither priest, Levite, 
or Samaritan could possibly pass my way, yet the good Samaritan 
was close at hand, and one of my people rushed up at the top of 
his speed, and in great excitement gasped out, "An Englishman 
coming, I see him," and off he darted to meet him. An American 
flag, the first ever seen in these parts, at the head of a caravan, told 
me the nationality of the stranger. I am as cold and nondemon- 
atrative as we islanders are usually reported to be, but your kindness 
made my frame thrill. It was indeed overwhelming, and I said in 
my soul, " Let the richest blessings descend from the Highest on you 
and yours." The news Stanley had to tell was thrilling. Mighty 
political changes on the continent, the success of the Atlantic cables, 
the election of Grant, and many other topics, riveted my attention 
for days together, and had an immediate and beneficial effect on my 
health. I had been without news from home for years, save what 
I could glean from a few u Saturday Reviews " and " Punch " for 
1868. My appetite revived, and in a week I began to feel strong 
again. Mr. Stanley brought a most kind and encouraging despatch 
from Lord Clarendon, whose loss I sincerely deplore — the first I 
have received from the foreign office since 1866, and the information 
that the British Government had kindly sent £1000 to my aid. Up 
to his arrival I was not aware of any pecuniary aid. I came un- 
salaried, but this want is now happily repaired, and I am anxious 
that you and all my friends should know that, though uncheered 
by letter, I have stuck to the task which my friend, Sir Roderick 
Murchison, set me with John Bullish tenacity, believing that all 
would come right at last. 

The watershed of South Central Africa is over 700 miles in 
length. The fountains thereon are almost innumerable. From the 



«__ - :--- 



/ 



DISCOVERIES US AFRICA. 3* 



watershed they converge into four large rivers, and these again- 
into two mighty streams in the great Nile Valley, which begins in 
40 degrees to 12 degrees south latitude. 

It was long ere light dawned on the ancient problem and gave me 
\ clear idea of the drainage. I had to feel my way, aud every step 
of the way, and was generally groping in the dark, for who cared 
where the rivers ran ? We drank our fill, and let the rest run by 
The Portuguese who visited Cazembe asked for slaves and ivory, 
<4nd asked for nothing else. I asked about the waters, questioned 
and cross-questioned till I was almost afraid of being set down as 
afflicted with hydrocephalus. My last work, in which I was greatly 
hindered for want of suitable attendants, was the following of the 
central line of drainage through a country of cannibals called 
Manyuema, or shortly, Manyema. This line of drainage has four 
large lakes in it. The fourth I was near when obliged to turn. It 
is from one to three miles broad, and never can be reached at any 
point. The Lupera or Bartleirere's river flows into it at Lake Ka- 
molondo, then the great river Louraine flows through Lake Lincoln 
into it too, and seems to form the western arm of the Nile. Now I 
know about 600 miles of the watershed, and, unfortunately, the 
seventh hundred is the most interesting of the whole, for, if I am 
not mistaken, four fountains rise from an earthen mound, and the 
last of the four becomes, at no great distance oft', a large river. 
Two of these run north to Egypt, the Lupera and Louraine, and two 
run south into inner Ethiopia, or the Liambi, or upper Zambesi and 
the Kafnears. These are not the sources of the Nile mentioned by 
the Secretary of Minerva in the city of Sais to Herodotus. I have 
heard of them so often and such a great distance off that I cannot 
doubt their existence, and in spite of the sore-longing for home that 
seizes me every time I think of my family, 1 wish to finish up by 
their rediscovery. Five hundred pounds sterling worth of goods 
have agtin unaccountably been entrusted to slaves, and have been 
over a year on the way, instead of four months. I must go where 
they lie at your expense ere I can put the natural completion to my 
work, and if my disclosures regarding the terrible Ujijian slavery 
should lead to the suppression of the east coast slave trade, 1 shall 
regard that as a greater matter by far than the discovery of all the 
Nile sources together. 

Now, that you have done with domestic slavery forever, lend ua 
four powerful aid towards this great obiect This fine country ia 



S4. DE. D^VLD LIVINGSTONE'S 

blighted as with a curse in the above, in order that the slavery pi ,- 

vileges of the petty Sultan of Zanzibar may not be infringed, and 

the rights of the Crown of Portugal, which are mythical, should be 

kept iu abeyance till some future time, when Africa will become 

another India to the Portuguese slave traders. I conclude by again 

thanking you most cordially for your great generosity, and am 

gratefully yours, 

David Livingstone 



AN EXISTING SLAVE TRADE. 

The letters brought by Mr. Stanley from Dr. Livingstone have 
suddenly revived throughout the civilized world that antagonism 
to the slave trade which occupied so much attention thirty years 
ago, and it is reported that the British Government has invited the 
Americans to unite with it in remonstrating with the Sultan of 
Zanzibar on the continuance of the odious traffic under his auspices. 
It has been stated that one of the ships of our Pacific Squadron has 
been detailed to visit Zanzibar for this purpose in conjunction with 
a British man-of-war ; but it is doubtful whether any thing effectual 
will be done until the Sultan's liabilities in regard to other matters 
are removed. It seems that about forty years ago the Imaum of 
Muscat died, and bequeathed his dominions to his two sons, giv- 
ing the one the sovereignty of Oman, and to the other that of Mus- 
cat and Zanzibar; but as the latter was more valuable than the 
former, the young Sultan of Oman quarrelled with his more fortu- 
ate brother, and would have proceeded to hostilities against him, 
but for the intervention of the British Minister at his court, who 
persuaded him to submit the matter to the arbitration of the Governor 
General of India. The Sultan of Zanzibar having agreed to this, 
the reference was made, and Lord Canning appointed two Commis- 
sioners to investigate the affair. They reported that the deceased 
Imaum had unequally divided his dominions, and that, therefore, 
the Sultan of Oman had some cause for dissatisfaction, but they 
thought that the matter might be arranged by the annual payment 
of a sum of money (equal to $-40,000) to the Sultan of Oman by 
his brother. Both parties accepted this award, and the Sultan of 
Zanzibar has fulfilled his part by regularly paying the subsidy 
but h# alleges that he has been enabled to do it only by means of 



MM 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. 36 

the traffic in slaves, and that the British Government has been all 
alon«- aware of the fact, so that, should the traffic be suppressed, he 
will be usable to fulfil his obligations to his brother. He there- 
fore contends that the British Government ought either to indemnify 
him or procure a discharge of his treaty engagements from his brother. 
We have here an illustration of the wisdom of the advice, "to keep 
clear of entangling alliances." Had the British officials refrained 
from interfering in the dispute between the two brothers, the matter 
would have been settled in the Oriental fashion years ago, and 
England would have been as free to act in the present difficulty as 
we are. It does not appear from the English papers that the British 
Government actually guaranteed the payment of the annual tribute, 
but it is proable that the two Sultans believe that to be the case, 
<wd that there will be trouble in consequence. 

Dr. Livingstone thinks that the only remedy for the East African 
slave coast trade is the establishment, or, rather, the transfer of one 
of the English settlements on the west coast to a suitable point (he 
mentions Mombas) on the east; the settlement not to consist of 
English people, but of natives, who may be persuaded to emigrate 
thither voluntarily. He says that, although the presence of a 
squadron has had some share in suppressing the Western trade, the 
entire suppression of it is mainly due to the coast settlements. With- 
out disputing the worthy Doctor's opinion, it is fair to attribute this 
result more to the cessation of the demand for slaves on this con- 
tinent, owing to the enlightenment of the nations which formerly 
held them, and to other causes than to the vigilance of European 
cruisers and the formation of native settlements under English 
auspices on the West African coast. The civilization of the Asiatio 
nations would have a similar eflect in repressing the traffic on the 
eastern coast. 



AMERICAN ENTERPRISE. 

The English newspapers have been brought reluctantly to confess 
tnat Mr. Stanley's search for Dr. Livingstone has been a complete 
success, and that their own expedition, fitted out from home, has 
been a discreditable failure. At first they felt disposed to treat Mr, 
Stanley's report as a hoaa a second edition of George Psalmanaaar's 
"History of Formosa;" but as time rolled on, and Livingstone^ own 
latter? confirmed all that the New York ReraloCs envoy had stated 



•5 DR. DAVID LIVINGSTONE'S 

they have now consented to do justice to the latter. The London 
Echo confesses that the account of the English Livingstone Expedi- 
tion, given by Mr. Charles New, makes it feel rather ashamed of its 
countrymen. Condensed into as short a space as possible, the ac- 
count amounts to this : The expedition, as it left England, was com- 
posed of Lieutenant Dawson, Lieutenant Henn, and Mr. W. 0. 
Livingstone (the Doctor's son), Mr. Dawson being first, and Mr. 
Henn second in command. But they took out an invitation to Mr. 
Charles New, many years a missionary in Africa, to join them as 
third in command. After some hesitation, he accepted the proposal; 
but while they are organizing the expedition, the news came of Mr. 
Stanley's success and impending return. Lieutenant Dawson at once 
threw up the expedition, and Lieutenant Henn expressed his inten- 
tion of doing the same. Thereupon Mr. New determined to go on 
alone, reflecting that Dr. Livingstone, though discovered, had not 
been relieved, and still needed help. Young Mr. Livingstone also 
determined to go on, and Dr. Kirk accordingly wrote to Mr. New, 
offering him the charge of the Relief Expedition. Lieutenant 
Dawson also wrote to him in the same sense, and he accepted. Now, 
however, Lieutenant Henn changed his mind, and claimed to go 
with the expedition as first in command. Mr. New was, therefore, 
outsed from the command, and considering that he could not act im 
concert with Mr. Henn, he resigned his connection with the expedi- 
tion. Within three days Lieutenant Henn again determined to 
abandon ^he enterprise, Mr. Stanley having in the meantime arrived 
at Zanzibar. Young Mr. Livingstone then determined to go on 
alone, which would have been an imprudent thing to do ; but two 
or three days afterwards he, too, abandoned the idea, and the collapse 
was complete. 

While the Englishmen were showing these wretched vacillations, 
Mr. Stanley got together fifty-seven picked men, with a stock of 
supplies, and sent them off to Dr. Livingstone, wherever they might 
find him ; but Mr. Stanley having not long before returned from 
Unyamyembe, where he had stayed with the doctor, was able to give 
ample directions as to his whereabouts. The Echo admits that the 
paragraph acknowledging Mr. Stanley's energy and ability is the 
only bit of pleasant reading connected with the whole affair. The 
English Relief Committee took their own time in selecting a num- 
ber of officers to command their expedition, and an unfortunate 
•election they seem to have made. 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. 87 

Young Mr. J. Gordon Bennett while in Paris conceived the idea 
of sending out an expedition at his own expense. The idea, once 
entertained, was instantly carried out. He telegraphed to Mr. Stan- 
ley, at Madrid, to come to him at Paris ; which having been done, 
the whole affair was arranged off-hand — a striking contrast to the 
dilatoriness of the English. Mr. Stanley started for Africa there 
and then, went straight to the mark, and found his man : stayed with 
him four months, accompanying him on some explorations, and re- 
turned to Zanzibar just as the English expedition was arriving there. 
But this is not all. Mr. Bennett has despatched a second expedition 
to the sources of the Nile, under the command of a correspondent 
of the Herald, to join Sir Samuel Baker, who is marching with a 
considerable force into the interior of Africa in the service of the 
Viceroy of Egypt. This potentate has spontaneously offered to pay 
half the expenses of this expedition, the last news of which were 
received from Gondokoro, on the White Nile. The encouragement 
thus given by the Viceroy shows the importance he attaches to ita 
success. And while Dr. Livingstone is prosecuting his researches 
in a direction from south to north, this second Herald expedition is 
advancing from north to south to meet him and complete the work. 
Thus, in a short time, the geography of the interior of Africa will 
be known. Dr. Livingstone's object is being "hurried up w by 
American enterprise. 



WATEKSHEDS OF THE NILE. 

Dr. Livingstone, in his recent letter, published in the New York 
Herald, referring to this important part of his mission, says: "It is 
a broad belt of tree-covered upland, some 700 miles in length from 
west to east. The general altitude is between 4000 and 5000 feet 
above the sea, and mountains stand on it at various points which 
are^between 6000 and 7000 feet above the ocean level. On thii 
watershed springs arise which are well nigh innumerable; that is, 
ft would take half a man's life to count them. These springs join 
each other and form brooks, which again converge and become 
rivers, or say streams of twenty, forty or eighty yards, that never 
dry. All flow toward the centre of an immense valley, which I 
believe to be the Valley of the Nile. In this trough we have at 
fe* three large rivers ; then all unite into one enormous lacustHne 



88 DR. DAViD LIVINGSTONE'S 

river, the central line of drainage, which I name Webb's Lualaoa 
In this great valley there are five great lakes. One near the upper 
end is called Lake Bernba, or, more properly, Bangweolo ; but it is 
not a source of the Nile, for no large river begins in a lake. It is 
supplied by a river called Chambezi, and several others which may 
be considered sources, and out of it flows the larger river, Luapula, 
which enters Lake Moera and comes out as the great lake river 
Lualaba to form Lake Komolondo. West of Komolondo, but still 
in the great valley, lies Lake Lincoln, which I name as my tribute 
of love to the great and good man America enjoyed for some time 
and lost. One of the three great rivers I mentioned, Bartle Freres 
or Luflra, falls into Komolondo, and Lake Lincoln becomes a 
lacustrine river, and it, too, joins the central line of drainage, but 
lower down, and all these united form the fifth lake, which the 
slaves (sent instead of men) forced me, to my great grief, to leave as 
the Unknown Lake. By my reckoning, the chronometers being all 
dead, it is five degrees of longitude west of Speke's position of 
Ujiji. This makes it proabable that the great lacustrine river in the 
valley is the western branch of Petherick's Nile, the Bahar Ghazal, 
■md not the eastern branch, which Speke, Grant and Baker believed 
to be the river of Egypt. If correct, this would make it the Nile, 
omy, after all, the Bahar Ghazal enters the eastern arm. 

"But though I found a watershed between 10 degrees and 12 
degrees south — that is a long way further up the valley than any 
one had dreamed — and saw the streams of some 600 miles of it 
converging into the centre of the great valley, no one knew where 
ft went after that departure of Lake Moera. Some conjectured that 
it went into Tanganyika; but I saw that to do so it must run up 
hill. Others imagined that it might flow into the Atlantic. It was 
to find out where it actually did go that took me into Manyema. I 
could get no information from traders outside, and no light could be 
obtained from the Manyema within. They never travel, and it was 
so of old. They consist of petty headmanships, and each hugs his 
grievance from some old feud, and is worse than our old Highland 
ancestors. As I could get no geographical information from them, 
I had to feel my way and grope in the interminable forests and 
prairies, and three times took the wrong direction, going northerly, 
not knowing that the great river makes immense sweeps to the west 
and southwest 

"I had serious doubts, but I stuck to it like a Briton, and at last 



DISCOVERIES TX AFRTCA. 41 

found that the mighty river left its washing and flowed right away 
to the north, the two great western drains, the Lufira and Tomaine, 
running northeast before joining the central line or main. Webb's 
Lualaba told that the western side of the great valley was high like 
the eastern, and as this main is reported to go into large reedy 
I ikes, it can scarcely be aught else than the western arm of the Nile. 
But beside all this, in which it is quite possible I may be mistaken, 
we have two fountains on. nrobably, the seventh hundred miles of 
the watershed, and giving rise to the two rivers, the Learnbai or the 
Upper Zambesi, and the Kafne, which flow into inner Ethiopia; and 
two fountains are reported to rise in the same quarter, and, forming 
Lufira and Tomaine, flow, as we have seen, to the north. These, 
from full-grown gushing fountains, rising so near each other and 
giving origin to four large rivers, answer in a certain degree to the 
description given of the unfathomable fountains of the Nile by the 
Secretary of Minerva, in the city of Sais, in Egypt, to the father of 
ail travellers Herodotus; but I have to confess that it is a little 
presumptuous .n me to put this forward in Central Africa, and with- 
out a single book of reference on the dim recollection of reading 
the ancient historian in boyhood. The waters were said to well up 
from an unfathomable depth and then part, half north to Egypt 
and half south to inner Ethiopia. Now, I have heard of the foun- 
tains aforementioned so often that I cannot doubt their existence, 
and I wish to clear up the point in my concluding trip. I am not to 
be considered as speaking without hesitation, but prepared, if I see 
reason, to confess myself wrong." 

Referring to the native women, Dr. Livingstone goes on to say : 
u The Manyema women, especially far down the Lualaba, are Yery 
preuy and very industrious. The market with them is a great 
institution, and they work hard and carry far in order to have some* 
thing to sell. Markets are established about ten or fifteen miles 
oart. There those who raise cassava, maize, grain and sweet 
otatoes exchange them for oil, salt, pepper, fish and other relishes. 
/owls, also pigs, goats, grass cloths, mats and other articles change 
hands. All dressed in their best candy-colored, many folded kilts, 
that reach from waist to knee, when 2000 or 3000 are together, form 
an interesting sight. They enforce justice, though chiefly women, 
and they are so eager traders that they set off in companies by nighty 
and begin to run as soon as they come within the hum arising from 
hundreds of voices. To haggle and joke, and laugh and oheat seem 



42 DK. DAVID MViNGSTONK'S 

the dearest employments of life. They confer great benefit on eacli 
other. The Bagenya women are expert divers for oysters, which 
they sell with iish in exchange for fairnaceous food from the women 
from the East, the Lualaba, who prefer cultivating the soil to fishing. 
The Manyemas have always told us that women going to market 
are never molested. When the men of two districts were engaged 
in actual open hostilities the women passed through from one market 
to another unharmed. To take her goods, even in war, was a thing 
not to be done; but at these market women the half-castes directed 
their guns. Two cases that came under my own observation were 
so sickening that I cannot allow my mind to dwell upon or write 
about them. 

14 Many of both sexes were killed, but the women and children 
chiefly made captives. No matter how much ivory they obtained 
these nigger Moslems must have slaves, and they assaulted market 
people and villages and made captives chiefly of women and chil- 
dren, as it appeared to me, and because, as men ran off at the report 
of guns, they could do it without danger. I had no idea before how 
bloodthirsty men can be when they can pour out the blood of their 
fellow men in safety. And all this carnage is going on in Manyema 
at the very time I write. It is the Banians, our protected Indian 
fellow subjects, that indirectly do it. 

"About north-east of Rua we have a very large country called 
Manyuema, but by Arabs shortened into Manyema. It is but 
recently known. The reputation which the Manyemas enjoyed of 
being cannibals prevented half-caste Arab traders from venturing 
among them. The circumstantial details of practices as men-eaters 
.given by neighboring tribes were confirmed by two Arabs who, two 
years ago, went as far as Bambarre, and secured the protection and 
friendship of the Moerokues, Lord of Light Gray Parrott, with 
Scarlet Tail, who was a very superior man. The minute details of 
cannibal orgies given by the Arabs' attendants erred by the sheer 
excess of the shocking details. Had I believed a tenth of what I 
was told I might never have ventured an inch in Manyema, but 
fortunatelyjny mother never frightened me in infancy with bogie 
and stuff of that sort, and I am not liable to fits of bogiephobia, 
in which disease the poor patient believes anything awful, if or*y 
it is attributed to the owner of a black skin." 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. 48 

THE PRESENT AND PROSPECTIVE FRUITS OF LTYTNG- 

STONE'S TRIUMPH. 

It is the misfortune of almost every generation to dote over the 
deeds of remote and bygone ages and to depreciate its own. The 
exploits which most affect the world's destiny do not, it is true, 
betray their significance by a flash, and need to be scanned and in- 
terpreted in the calm light of human history. The great man whose 
name heads this article may not live to discover the true import of 
his own achievements, and certainly, in the course of nature, cannot 
hope to reap the harvest which he has sown. 

The great impediment to the realization of the toils of such a 
man as Livingstone lies in the incredulity of the human mind. 
The world is not deficient in the supply of a numerous class who 
resemble the pertinacious King of Anam, who refused to believe 
that water sometimes froze in Europe, because it had never been 
known to freeze in Anam. When Sir John Ross in 1818 pene- 
trated far within the Arctic circle he found a fine tribe of savagea 
inhabiting a region of icy grandeur between the prongs of the 
Greenland glacier, but shut out from civilization and the sun by the 
great ice wall ; andAvhen the gallant explorer told them his ship 
had come from the south they tenaciously insisted. {t It is not true ; 
there is nothing but ice there ! " So intense and blind is the resist- 
ance which many otherwise sagacious and reasoning minds offer to 
the story and conclusions of great pioneers of science and research 
that when Sir Isaac Newton, on the strictest mathematical prin- 
ciples, arrived at and announced the deduction that the earth was a 
spheroid, many of the philosophers of the world of the highest 
repute, among them the great Bernoulli, entered the lists against 
him and deolarcd it an oblong figure with a greater polar than 
equatorial extent The great hero of explorations in Equatorial 
Africa has met with a similar fate among the geographical doctors 
and speculative scientists of his own country, but he will survive 
their criticisms, and already we may begin to forecast the fame that 
awaits him and the advantages which the whole human family will 
ultimately reap from his self-sacrificing and herculean labors. The 
esteem in which geographical discovery has ever been held may 
furnish some clew to the real value of Livingstone's researches. The 
te»t circumnavigator of the globe, the indefatigable Magellan, wa» 



/ 



44 dr. david Livingstone's 

almost immortalized by posterity. Sir Francis Drake, who followed 
his illustrious example, was knighted, his voyage in the Golden 
Hind celebrated in song and the famous bark thronged by thousands 
of his admiring countrymen. Even in our later period, when the 
world is more phlegmatic and utilitarian, the very bones of a lost 
explorer (Sir John Franklin) were so anxiously and energetically 
sought for that in 1866 Sir Leopold McClintock estimated the foot 
explorations accomplished in the search, amid mountains of ice, at 
forty thousand miles. History fully attests how all geographical 
discovery, by its influence both directly and reflex ively, not only 
serves to quicken and fecundate all the sciences, but to rouse the 
human mind itself from its lethargy and introduce it to new worlds of 
thought. But no portion of the earth yields such abundant treasures 
to the explorer as the torrid zone, in which lies the scene of Living- 
stone's exploits. The tropics, as Humboldt has suggested, not only 
give rise to the most powerful impressions by their organic richness 
and fertility, but they reveal to man, by the uniformity of atmos- 
pheric variation and the development of vital forces in their fauna 
and flora, and by the contrasts of climate and vegetation at different 
levels, the invariability of planetary lands, mirrored, as it were, in 
terrestrial phenomena. Africa is emphatically the land of greatest 
natural productions, of which we have heretofore known less than 
we do of the surface of the moon, and not much more than the 
spectroscope has taught us of the photosphere of the sun. Into 
the most hidden wilds of this vast land mass — nearly four times as 
large as Europe — the penetrating genius of Livingstone has pushed 
geographic research and planted the germs of future civilization 
and empire. In solving, as we may now justly assume he has done, 
the ancient problem of the Nile, the old explorer has produced the 
key with which all the secrets of the great Southern Continent may 
be unlocked and its splendid plateaux, its opulent river valleys and 
its chains of enormous navigable lakes, seated and embowered high 
above the sea, may be thrown open to the enterprise of all coming 
generations. In large sections of this newly found world — although, 
like Andean South America, lying almost under the Equator — 
nature has piled up upon a series of gigantic parterres and terraces 
every variety of climate and soil, and compensated by cool and lofty 
elevations for the severity of a vertical sun. If to the nations of 
s;»tra-trop^cal countries and high latitudes it seems improbable thafc 



DI8C0VXBIES IK AFRICA. 45 

a great civilization can be erected in the new world brought to light 
by Livingstone, we have only to recall the historic development of 
the Equatorial South American States and of the famous Cartha- 
ginian, Persian and Egyptian civilizations of old, flourishing under 
climatic and physical conditions no better than those of the Upper 
Nilatic basin. 

But, to be more specific, it is easy to see that the day is not dibtant 
when European commerce and culture, crossing the Suez Isthmus by 
its great canal and descending the Nile valley, must prove an entering 
wedge to the newly explored country. The present traffic of Equa- 
torial Africa does not at present extend south of Gondokoro, on the 
White Nile. But once connect this point with known routes of 
travel and communication, piercing the western drainage of Lakes 
Tanganyika, Moero, Lincoln, Bangweolo and the valleys of the 
Lualaba and the Chambezi, and we shall soon have not a lonely and 
forlorn explorer fighting his way into the darkness and slavery of 
these regions, but richly freighted caravans of trade, conveying the 
treasures of knowledge, the blessings of emancipation and peace 
and the truths of Christianity to these very strongholds of barbarism 
and benighted heathendom. 

When Magellan first circumnavigated the earth, his renowned 
historian tells us, it was gravely asserted over Europe that no one 
else would ever dare so foolhardy an undertaking again, so little 
did men dream that the ocean, which had opened a way for his keel, 
would soon be furrowed by the countless fleets and argosies of com- 
merce. We doubt not, in like manner, the successful experiment of 
the African explorer will be quickly followed by the world's 
pioneers of adventure, traffic and emigration. 

But, apart from all that promises of material advantage from Dr. 
Livingstone's work, there remains the moral benefit to be derived. 
One germ of true civilization, planted in the wilds of Africa, brings 
them into sympathy and unison with the rest of mankind. 

14 One (ouch of nature makes the whole world kin." 

The undying seed of true Christianity once sown will prove 
fruitful beyond man's most sanguine expectations, and may be 
expected to outlive the most adverse influences and noxious 
miasma of heathenism. 

The future historian, in summing up the results which attended 



46 DB. DAVID LIVINGSTONES DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. 

the marvellous labors and Atlantean undertakings of Livingstone., 
will accord him the honor of settling and solving " the problem of 
the ages," of satisfying the demands of scientific and cosmogra- 
phical research in the great tropical Continent, besides that of 
opening a new world to commerce and civilization, and of planting 
the standard of civil liberty in the midst of it. The explorer him- 
self will ever stand forth in history a colossal spectacle of moral 
heroism, which needs no mop^r^nt nor memorial to perpetuate 
ids influence. 



RECENT REMARKABLE 



Discoveries vs Africa. 



From earliest boyhood, I had a great love for travel, and de- 
voured all the books on that subject that fell in my way ; I remem- 
ber particularly the voyages of Cook, and Dampier, and the travels 
of Le Vaillant; this last had more fascination than the others; ho 
wrote about lions, tigers, elephants and camel leopards, and when 
1 fouiid myself at the age of twenty one, with youth, health, and a 
well lined purse, I determined to travel ; but whither to wend my 
way was the question ; many had written about France, Italy, Spain 
and Germany ; and nearly every third man had seen some, if not 
all of those countries none however except one daring fellow had 
chased the elephant, and I determined, that I would go, and do 
likewise, and beard the lion in his den. 

My resolution was speedily taken and I at once engaged a passage 
in a large and handsome vessel bound for the cape of Good Hope, 
wnere I arrived after a very monotonous voyage, presenting 
nothing worthy of reeord, not even a man overboard. The capital 
of that portion of the British African possession presents no very 
•triking features, as it is only a reproduction of Anglo Saxon life, 
adapted to the tropics ; and as I was anxious at once to commence 
my sporting life, I signified to the governor, to whom I had been 
particularly recommended, that I should like some letters of intro- 
duction, his excellency smiled, and said "Gordon Gumming has 
4 49 






50 RECENT REMARKABLE 

infected you with his mania, well, I suppose you must go, and sot 
what Meinheer Yon Kemp, can do ; and I will give you a letter." 

The following day after the purchase of two stout black horses, 
and enlisting the services of a half breed Hottentot, I started ; — Jaa, 
for such was the name of my squire, deserves at least a few lin-es ; 
of mixed Hottentot, and Dutch parentage, he partook of the pecu- 
liarities of both races ; his skin was of a muddy yellow, his lips as 
thick as a wagon wheel, and his eyes of a dull and lusterless black ; 
his frame might have rivalled a Hercules in strength. As to dress, 
and toilet, it must be said that my Sancho Panza was not particular; 
a rough pair of cowhide boots, which bid defiance to the sharpest 
fangs of the most venomous serpents, encased his legs from the 
knees to the feet, dirty brown pantaloons, and a foxy blouse com- 
pleted his attire ; his eyes, (as much as such dull orbs could) 
sparkled with enthusiasm when I Resented him with a coarse red 
sash, similar to the article I wore, to hold his pistols ; thus equipped, 
and with a pair of blankets strapped behind the saddle, we com- 
menced our journey ; thirty miles were made in about four hours, 
through a most enchanting country, flowers, which in Europe, were 
nursed with the greatest care in hot houses, are here trodden under 
foot. Clouds of parrots of the most brilliant colors, flitted from 
branch to branch. Antelopes, with their soft black eyes, glanced 
at us timidly ; and scoured away to the distant plains, with the 
speed of lightning. Immense fields, stretching further than the eye 
can reach, were whitened with the most magnificent cape jessamines, 
which exhaled an almost oppressive perfume, and the air was 
literally heavy with the signs of flowers. 

At twelve, Jan said " massa, time for rest arid eat." 

44 Well come on, where shall we stop." 

44 Under the shade of that tree," said he, pointing as he spoke, to 
a large palm tree, nothing loath. I consented, and was going to 
throw myself on the richly carpeted sward, but Jan interposed with 
a 4< massa, you put blanket under." 

Having arranged matters to his satisfaction the half breed 
glanced round, and loading his pistol fired into the tree, and brought 
down a parrot : thrice was the operation repeated, and each time 
with the like success. Jan's whole soul was engrossed in his occupa- 
tion, and as the scene was new to me, I watched his motions curi- 
ously, though I did not dare to meddle ; the birds were carefully 
picked, wrapped in large leaves, and buried in the earth a fire was 



MtfCOVERIES IK AFRICA. 51 



tJaem fcindled, and as soon as a bed of coals was ready, Jan acl 
■* where de coffee pot.*' 

This was also produced not forgetting a paper of sugar, a&.Z * 
bottle of cream, which had been packed with some bisouit in a 
imall tin travelling case, containing an equipage for two persons; 
water was spedily procured, and I soon smelled the fragrant odor 
of well roasted Mocha ; still Jan was not satisfied, and observed, 
" massa dont you nose him." 

"Nose what?" J 

M Why de little red berries, where de antelopes comes, dey is 
plenty." 

Still I did not understand him ; but allowed him to take his own 
way ; creeping cautiously along, he surveyed the ground, picked 
and tasted something, and returned in about half an hour with an 
impromptu leaf basket, full of the most delicious red strawberries, 
one of which was as large as three of those raised in Convent 
Garden Market. Jan was right, at a little distance the ground was 
thickly covered with the delicate fruit, and the antelopes had not 
deceived him. The coffee was ready ; the parrots were unearthed 
and most admirable, and juicily tender they proved; the whole 
meal was a success, and there was nothing to disturb the delicious 
reverie, in which I indulged for more than two hours, when Jan 
intimated, that it was time to move, and after four hours hard 
riding, we reached, the abode of Meinheer Yon Kemp, one of the 
most opulent boors, or landholders in the colony, who resided in a 
large mansion house two stories high, containing about twenty 
apartments, with a view to accomodation not elegance ; the farmer 
was master of some thousand of acres, and owned a stud of horses, 
and countless sheep and cows; his countenance, as I alighted, was 
irradiated with a hospitable smile, and he assured me, that I was a 
thousand times welcome ; adding also, that he was glad to see 
strangers, and that he would introduce his sons, who were known 
as the best huntsmen for a hundred miles around. Madame next 
came forward, a brisk little woman, a little wrinkled, it is true, but 
withal m fine preservation, who said that she had known Mr. Cum- 
mings, and that he was a fine fellow. She also communicated the^ 
acceptable intelligence, that her sons longed to meet such another^' 
as they had not had such fine sport, since he left. 

The blowing of a horn, announced that the labors of the day 
were ended, and the horses, and cattle flocked to a large stone 



62 BECENl RBiLAftKABLJii 

trough to aUke their thiifet. These beasts were of all hues, m% I 

preferred the mouse color with their large soft intelligent eyes ; the 
horses were large and strongly built ; delicacy of proportion they 
had none, but its absence was fully compensated by nerre and a 
power of endurance. 

Supper was prepared, and I was made acquainted with the 
younger scions of the house of Yon Kemp ; and in truth, they were 
superb specimens of civilization, possessing all the strength of sava- 
ges, an excellent education, and the somewhat formal courtesy 
of the old school. Madame had before told me, that her sons had 
received ail the advantages ; which the colony could afford that 
they constantly received books from Europe, and were fond 
of music, after the evening meal was finished, we went to the 
parlor, which was furnished in a style, evincing the refined taste* 
of the occupants of the mansion; pipes, tobacco and coals, were 
brought in by the most singular specimen of humanity, if indeed he 
w«re a member of the human family, that I ever beheld. 

This manikin was about two feet, two inches high, or perhaps 
not so much, his head was large, misshapen and entirely out of pro- 
portion, the ears pendulous, and of an enormous size, the chest was 
small, and the stomach large ; hands and feet of no common size, 
completed this grotesque figure. So great was my astonishment, 
that for some moments, I was silent, when Madame said ; 

" I see that you are surprised at Peter. " 

" You have judged rightly, I never could have supposed thai 
such creatures existed." 

" And yet," said Karl, the youngest of the sons, " there is a whole 
nation of such individuals. Colonel Grey of the royal engineers, 
who about a year since, visited their country, about three hundred 
miles from here assured me, that in comparsion with the rest of his 
tribe, Peter was an Apollo. 

u Is there good hunting in that section." 

" Oh I yes. From this to that the woods are full of beasts of 
all kinds, not forgetting serpents. ?" 

Karl, and his father, here exchanged glances, and the latter 
resumed ; " if you have no objection, as you came to this country 
for sport, I shall be very happy if you will accompany us, on a 
hunt of two or three weeks ; one of my men told me yesterday that 
there is a fine herd of camel leopards. I have seen their tracks* 
uid we can take the matter at our ease. 1 ' 



DISCOVERIES m 1TRXCA. 63 

I joyfully consented to his proposition, and as I was exhausted 
Vjr my long ride, sought my pillow, where I was soon buried in the 

Cepest slumber ; after I had pondered on elephants, giraffes, and 
telopes, not to mention lions, leopards, and tigers. 
, The next day I rose early, and after a bath, proceeded to exam- 
ine the premises where I had met such a hearty reception, and for 
that purpose mounted a tall rock, when I was amazed at the sight 
of six lions engaged in sport, on the plain beneath me ; two male*, 
one female, and three cubs were tumbling about like schoolboy*. 
I surveyed the group with the most intense satisfaction they 
polled over each other, then resuming an upright position would 
apparently converse, purring at intervals like cats ; one more ad- 
venturous indulged in immense leaps, invariably returning to the 
place where it came and fawning upon its associates, bit them play- 
fully ; more than half an hour was thus passed, when the beast* 
apparently alarmed at some noise, decamped at full speed, and the 
place was once more quiet, I waited for some minutes, but no ani» 
mal came, and I returned to the house, passing through the yard. 

Forty cows were waiting impatiently to be milked ; as many bulk 
well fed, and with coats shining like silk, snorted and cast hungry 
glances at the fodder, which piled in huge ricks before them was 
destined to satisfy their appetites; girls and men of all shades and 
complexions from jet black to tawny yellows, assiduously attended 
by fowls of all breeds, ten fine setter dogs constituted them- 
selves guardians of the whole, which presented a scene; whick 
some Flemish painters would have delighted to transfer to 
canvass. A summons to breakfast interrupted my meditations, and 
I was soon seated at a table loaded with all the delicacies produced 
on the broad domains of my opulent host : fruits of all kinds, every 
preparation of milk and cream ; fragrant tea and coffee, would have 
satisfied the most fastidious ; and the far famed restaurant of the 
French, capital, could not have boasted a greater variety. Karl and 
JiOuis, were equipped, an ample straw hat protected their eyes, and 
large boots like those of Jan, covered them from hip to ancle ; the 
horses were brought out, and after carefully examining the guns, 
and bags, at the saddles, we were en route. A large wagon driven 
by six Hottentots, and drawn by as many oxen followed in the 
rear ; an easy ride of ten miles brought us to a large plain, whem 
bearing the notes of a small bird, Louis exclaimed, " the giraffes 
«re here, this bird always goes before them." The words werf 



§4 DECENT REMARKABLE 

•caiuely out of his mouth, ere I perceived a flock of gtraifee> 

advancing through a cloud of dust; Louis motioned to us, to 
eonceal ourselves in a clump of trees, where we saw the creatures 
anconscious of any danger approach the tall trees, with which the 
-jplain was profusely studded, and graze on the tops, choosing tht 
* highest leaves, whispering an order to the boors, who drove the 
' wagon ; six dogs were unleashed, and put on the ground, who 
noiselessly surrounded the giraffes, he then gave the word, and tho 
Norsemen charged on the affrighted animals, each raising himself in 
his stirrups, and aiming at some particular individual ; the noiso 
was deafening, and after the smoke had cleared away, I saw a large 
chesnut bull, the senior of the herd, falling to the ground, with a 
heavy crash ; he had evidently received his death wound. The 
others attempted to escape, but it was too late ; the dogs drove them 
to the centre, and though sundry sharp kicks were aimed, the 
hounds avoided the attacks of their assailants, and thus escaped 
■cot free. 

Again a charge was made, and three more fell, the dogs entered 
into the sport, and drove the animals into a narrower space ; but a 
■udden tremor now took possession of the horses, and the noble 
eteeds, who had hitherto been as motionless as if cut out of stone, 
became restive, snorted, refused to move, and a cold sweat bathed 
their limbs, while they uttered the most plantive neighs. Thf 
eause of their terror was soon ascertained. A leopardess, undis- 
mayed by the noise, and scenting the blood, came to the place 
of carnage, and as she gathered herself up for a final leap, pre- 
sented a grand sight 

This creature was fully growti, her hide was of a glossy yellow, 
Marked with the richest brown rosettes, and her eyes shone with a 
metallic lustre; — there was something feminine in her aspect, mixed 
with cold cruelty. Every motion was graceful, but there was no 
confidence. 

j Louis rode up to her, and the pair contemplated each other for a 
vmoment when the beast, gnashing her teeth, prepared for a dash at 
. the horse's head , where she was received on a bayonet, and a 
aevere wound inflicted ; the leopardess rested for a few moments on 
the ground where she had flung herself in her agony, then lashing 
her sides with her tail, strained all her nervea for the encounter, 
and collecting heiself made a spring; but toe wary hunter had 
forrseen her intention, and drawing a pistol, aho* her deJfMrately 
through the head. 




) 



Terrible Death of Menjiji, tho Guide. ©fferetflicfcer %o* be* ftii&rerS SWeujiiu 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. 



5? 



DIAKY CONTINUED. 



The following morning, I awoke rather late, but exceedingly 
tefreshed. The men had been stirring from a very early hour, and 
n brace of birds, and an antelope, which -jnoked before us, proved 
that they had not been idle, and they also brought the welcome in- 
telligence, that some wild hogs were in the vicinity, and that on© 
of the boys, who had mounted a high tree had seen them ; the horses 
and cattle were duly watered and fed ; we were soon in the saddle* 
and the dogs followed at our heels. Suddenly they stopped, and 
uttering a series of sharp barks started off at full speed, and we 
followed in their footsteps. The report was correct, there were sev- 
eral wild hogs rooting in a field. 

" Ah ?" said Jan " I knowed them fellowsh was about here, jus* 
tee, what they has done," and as he spoke * he showed a quantity 
of vegetables. Matthias came, and whistling to the dogs, they 
■oon environed the animals on all sides. All this was done so 
quietly that the hogs knew nothing about it, and escape was im- 
possible, and they were disturbed from their luxurious banquet by 
the firing of a pistol. The hogs alarmed ceased eating, and lifting 
their heads reconnoitred; they were a size larger than the domestic 
breed, their hoofs were sharper and more pointed, their tusks rere 
tremendous, and their eyes glowed like living coals ; undismayed by 
their danger, they collected in a body; presented a formidable 
front, and charged upon their foes; but two or three sharp thrust* 
from spears held by Jan and others, compelled them to change 
their tactics. Tying the horses to a tree,Karl, Louis, and myself 
dismounted, and plunged at once into the fray. The dogs keenly 
enjoyed the fun of the thing, and kept up an incessant barking? 
which greatly annoyed their porcine foes. The hogs foamed at th* 



58 RECENT EEMARKABLB 

month, and trembled in every limb, while their countenance, (if 1 
may apply such an observation to animals) expressed a ferocioui 
determination. Fox the moat sagacious of all the dogs, had 
matched himself against a veteran with enormous tusks, which 
exerting his whole strength, endeavored to rip open his antago- 
nist's side. The cunning dog, as if guessing his intent, waited tit T 
die hog came near enough, and then seized him by the throat 
Sach for a moment gazed in the other's eyes, and though I would 
aave liked to havv3 seen the contest, ended the matter by stabbing 
me wild animal to the heart. He was the finest specimen there, 
And I was desirous of preserving his tusks and skin. A torrent 
of blood colored the sward, a cry of mingled rage and pain, and 
Ns life and misery were ended together. 

Xarl and Louis had each killed three, while I was engaged with 
one, I felt my inferiority, and secretly resolved that I would slay 
as many. 

Choosing a large female I signified to Fox, that he must catch 
and hold, while I dispatched her ; but be was not strong enough, and 
the animal escaped, but I did not lose sight of her, and making a 
desperate attempt struck my spear in her side, which broke short 
off', and left its point there. Two or three times I tried my pistols, 
but each time my shot had no effect, I was in a dilemma, and 
called for Jan, but he was in a distant part of the field, and could 
not hear me, remembering Matthias' sylvan experience, and seeing 
no club near ; I ventured on a little riding whip, which hung at my 
wrist, and gave her savage ladyship, three sharp cuts; the effect 
was magical, she had never experienced such a sensation before, 
and it was certainly neither agreeable nor soothing ; she 
charged upon me, with the evident intention of throwing me 
down, but a friendly shrub standing near gave me a trifling sup- 
port, and I repeated the dose. She ran round and round, and did 
her best to extricate the head of the spear, which greatly annoyed 
her, till Jan came up ; when exerting all her strength, she threw 
the luckless fellow to the ground; though his position seemed 
deplorable he did not lose courage, and with a mighty effort shook 
kimself clear, and was once more erect. 

A loud whistle brought Lion and Fox, who each seized an ear, 
and the animal, though gifted with great strength, was unable to 
make any headway, and presented a fair aim Hastily loading 
a*y pistols. I shot her in the head, and consigning her to tha 



DISCOVERIES IN AFBIOA.. 

baggage wagon, sought a fresh victim ; he soon came, and was 
easily finished. Three had now fallen beneath my hand. Two 
vultures settling themselves on a tree calmly waited till the time 
arrived for them to banquet on the offal. Some eagles sailed 
majestically through the air, as if disdaining the things here below. 

44 Ah massa," exclaimed Jan, u the sport is nearly done- and dese 
birds knows it." 

" Well," I replied, <4 let us join the others, and make a common 
game." 

AH the dogs, at the command of Matthias, who acted as a kind 
of game-keeper, ran around the hogs, and drove them in one 
corner. The Hottentots, and boys arming themselves with spears 
made an exit impossible, and the reverberation of the guns and 
pistols re echoed from the distant mountains; the firing suddenly 
ceased, and three alone remained, when a half grown lion presented 
himself, and caught up one of the hogs. I determined that he 
should be mine, and fired, the shot took effect, and lamed him in 
the forepaw. Disregarding the pain, he stamped on the ground 
and seemed to ask, who has dared to lay his hands on my royal 
person, but the question did not long remain unanswered. Another 
shot wounded him slightly, in the neck, and drew a little blood, 
raising himself on his hind legs, he endeavoured to clasp me in a 
deadly embrace, but eluding his motion, I fired again, this time 
harmlessly ; his paws had greatly damaged my blouse, but the skin 
was untouched, the lion considerably weakened, rested for a 
moment on his haunches, and then tried again to claw me, but 1, 
was now prepared, and adopting the African fashon, plunged my 
knife between his fore paws ; the wound was mortal, the brute 
staggered two or three feet, and then fell heavily to the ground. 

While I had been so engaged, the others had killed the remain- 
ing hogs, and the sward was covered with their remains, but I was 
to# much engrossed with my noble game to pay much attention. 
This lion was about two years, and a half old, his mane showed 
that he had not yet attained his full growth, his teeth and claws 
were exceedingly sharp, and admirably fitted for his purpose. 

The boys now clamored for mittag, or dinner; it was therefore 
determined to stop for that day, and preparations were made for 
the necessary refreshment ; I was determined to take care of my 
own spoils, and as the animals, would soon become offensive is 
that hot climate, 1 resolved at once *~ ^epare the Hon, the giraffa 



60 RECENT REMARKABLE 

and the hogs; Jan and I began, but we had not made much pre> 
gress, ere we heard, a voice, exclaim " the grey is dead." 

This was a remarkably fine animal, ridden by Louis Yon Kemp 5 
which had been taken to the water to drink a few moment3 before, 
and which then appeared in perfect health. I hastened to the brink 
of the river, and found the beast insensible, but applying my ear to 
nis heart, detected a slight pulsation, which soon increased and in 
a few minutes the horse stood up, looked around him, and though 
evidently terrified, was sound in limb. I asked tSe reason and 
was told that he had been taken to the water to drink, that a fish 
had tickled his nose, and that he had fallen down, almost dead, 
as I had seen him. I now understood, that he had been stung 
by a fish, that had the same power as the electrical eel of South 
America. 

About five o'clock, as we were settling the affairs of the nation, 
and smoking our pipes, a party of the natives of the country made 
their appearance, and begged for tobacco and spirits ; the former 
was given, the latter denied. 

These creatures are rare specimens, of perfect ugliness. They did 
not belong to the Cape or its vicinity but weio further in the in 
ierior, and had the most singular locking sugar loaf heads I ever 
Baw; even the infant which lay in its mother's arms had the same 
odd shaped cranium. I supposed that like some of the American 
Indians, they used artificial means to produce this deformity, and 
considered it nerely as a monstrous perversion of taste, but was 
subsequently informed by a traveller who had visited these people, 
that all, or mearly all, had the same configuration of the skulL 
They spoke in a kind of deep guttural, and bore a considerable 
resemblance to some of the gorillas, in fact the beast's head wat 
better shaped than the man's , work they would not, but rambled 
about the country without any apparent aim. I have been told 
that in another part of this continent, I shall behold still queer* 
specimens. It may be so, for I am in a land of wonders and ooa- 
tinually lost in astonishment. Our new friends, finding that the 
could not get what they asked, speedily withdrew. 

It is one of the characteristics of a tropical climate, that there 
no twilight, and you pass at once from the most brilliant day, to 
the darkest night. And what tongue or pen can do justice to a 
tropical night ? We were sitting outside the tent, enjoying the 
perfume \ balmy air, and listening to the experience in woodcrar\. 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRIOA. 61 

which Matthias laid down with an air of wisdom, when we heard 
a slight rustling in the thicket, strict search was made, but neither 
beast, bird, nor serpent, could be found. We resumed our seats, 
and Matthias was again " spinning his yarns," when a large of* 
attered a sharp cry, and bounded off as if pursued by a legioa 

' What is th? matter," shouted all at once. 

•'A leopard, Massa, a leopard, Massa, is on him back." With Jkfei 
speed of lightning I leaped on the quadruped, which Jan had 
saddled, and flew after the iuokless beast. There sure enough 
was the leopard, touching on the animal's neck, holding on. with 
the tenacity of a vice; I fired, and the shot took effect «n the 
fleshy part of the lee;, or rather 'high, and though some bi0<4 was 
drawn, yet the beast did not relax its hold The ox was also 
wounded, but kept up its speed, and making for the nearest tree 
endeavored to crush its ndsi tfut the leopard, retaining its hold, 
slipped lower down, and tha& avoided the blow. The horse trem- 
bling with fear in every limb, snorted, hesitated, and oearly threw 
me. I managed to keep my seat, and fired again, but my pistol 
snapped, and the leopard seeing how matters were progressing, 
quietly gave the coup-de-grace, and it was all over with the ox. 
Numberless shots had been fired by others of the party, who had 
joined me, but the night was in favor of tho beast of prey, and 
he was left to gorge himself. The following day, I went to see 
how much was left of the ox; and found the rest, in possession 
of some crows and vultures, probably the same who had posted 
themselves on the trees in the field, where the hogs were slain. 
Aided by Jan, I again resumed my task of preparing the spe 
cimens I had taken, and the whole day was thus spent. The 
Hottentots understand the art of drying skins, and delight above 
all things to be on a hunt. 

Every part of the wild hog is turned to account, and the meat 
when boiled on a clean bed of coals, or allowed to cook before thf 
flames, is delicious, as it has an aromatic taste; flocks of wild 
ducks of all sizes, and of the most varied, and brilliant colors, 
hovered over the water and were brought out by the dogs. Par- 
rots of all colors roosted on the trees, and the wild fowl nestled in 
the jungles. All tell beneath our guns, and graced our table^ 
and many a European epicure would have relished such dainties. 
Different verities of monkev were heard chattering in the trees, 



62 RECENT REMARKABLE 

troft they bore too great a resemblance to man, to be used as footf 

A messenger came from the farm with supplies of cream, sugar, 
and milk, and we prepared for another stretch say about twenty 
miles. Though I did not mention the fact to my companions, I 
was anxious to go further into the country, where perhaps I might 
meet some of Peter's kinsfolks, at all events others of his raee. 
Matthias was of opinion that twenty miles further, we should see 
Iraces of lions, and I wished to have a shot at the kingly beasts. 
The whole day was passed in killing small game, paruots, geese and 
monkeys ; some quarters of the wild hog, were put in pickle, and 
carried with us in huge jars, and about seven o'clock in the even- 
ing, all heavily armed, we began our journey. The heat of the 
day was over, and the air was cool and soothing ; a watchful look- 
out was kept for the leopard, which had robbed us of one of our 
oxen, but we never saw him again. At twelve, we reached the 
spot; the ground as usual, was ornamented with a quantity of 
flowers of every hue, a small river ran at a little distance, and 
clumps of trees were scattered here and there ; the tents were 
pitched, the watch was set, and the others were soon in the arms 
of Morpheus 

At seven Karl snook the canvass, and intimated that it was timo 
to rise, but 1 could *oo Jan no where, and vainly sought him in 
every direction; breakfast was discussed, but still my servant 
did not make his appearance. I was alarmed, but was soon 
reassured by Jan himself, who came into the tent, with his eye* 
almost starting out of his head. 

" Where have you been, sir ?" was my first question. 

"Massa, Massa, I see after de lions." 

"What lions?" 

" Them you was talk about." 

"I was speaking of no lions." 

" I hear you say, you kill de lions, and fetch him skin home, 
and I thought I go see." 

u Well what did you see ?" 

" De trees Massa, de trees, dey is all clawed, and de lions itf 
about here, I know dey is." 

I called Matthias, and told him what Jan had said, and he was 
of opinion that the lions must be near, the pistols and guns were 
put in working order, and soon the whole party was at a rocky 
field, under the guidance of Jan. Still no lions were there, though 




The GoRiLLA.-Sketched by Dr. Livingstone. 

$er ©orilla. — ©eiei^nct Don 3>r. fi'ioinflftont 



W8C0VKKIES DT AFBIOJL 6i 

fee deeply dented trees, showed evident marks of their vicinity, 
Matthias, closely examined the field, found a small cave, and was 
convinced that they were there. At a risk, a pistol was fired, 
which was answered by a terrific growl, and shortly after a lion, 
and his mate emerged from its mouth. 

"I knowed they was there," was Jan's commentary, with a smile 
at the same time, showing a mouth full of unbroken ivory, which 
a duchess might have envied, the dogs were not afraid, though they 
kept at a respectful distance from the monarchs of the forest, the 
horses were restive, but were encouraged with a few caresses, and 
some sugar, with which Matthias, had directed the riders to fill 
their pockets, the cattle were securely fastened, and the men with 
loaded pistols, and pointed spears stood before them. 

Karl, Louis, Jan, and myself opened the contest, a pistol was 
fired, which tore up the ground at the feet of the female, at which 
the stamped violently, attemped a retreat, but was driven to her 
former post by the dogs I rode up to the lion with a spear, and 
•truck him in the flank, and he, to return the compliment, 
attempted to climb to the horse's neck, but was repulsed, by a sharp 
kick, which if it did not hurt, at least frightened him. Wheeling 
round, the lion tried to mount behind, but was dislodged from that 
position, by a quick movement of my trusty steed, and was again 
in front; one of the dogs now assailed him in the rear, but was soon 
dismissed, and retired from the contest with a howl. He and I, 
Like the knights of old, were resolved to fight it out, a l'outrance, 
each disdaining to ask quarter — I raised myself in my stirrups, and 
with my gun, took a deliberate aim, but inflicted only a trifling 
fround in the side, which maddened the brute, and he rolled on the 
ground to alleviate the pain, quickly resuming his spirits, he 
recommenced the fight. I fired again, this time more effectually 
wounding him severely in the left paw. 

The limb was not broken, but the ligaments and small bonet 
were displaced. Jan came up, and drove the spear he carried into 
his «ide ; the wound was frightful, the blood poured out in torrents, 
but still the animal had not lost either his courage or his spirits, 
and hobbling to Jan, seized him by the forearm. But the precau- 
tion had been taken of enveloping it in a prepared leopard skin^ 
and the sharply pointed fangs, made little or no impression. 
While the pair were thus engaged, I reloaded, and taking a fair 
aim, shot him in the back, and broke his spine. He was now 



66 RECENT REMARKABLE 

■liable fto move ; reduced to such a position, he endeavored, bta 
ineffectually to rise. A pistol shot blew out his brains, and num- 
bered him with the dead. This animal was one of the largest of his 
race, but as I had no tape, or measuring line, I could not ascertain 
his exact length ; the hair was long, and he had a noble mane. 
No one can form any idea of the majestic appearance of this king 
ol beasts, unless he sees him at liberty, and bounding through th« 
forests of his native land. 

While I had been thus occupied the others had had a severe tug 
with the female. At first she seemed inclined to aid her mate, but 
was driven by the dogs to another part of the field. Turning her 
steps to the cave, she attempted to seek a refuge there, but the dogs 
headed by one of the boys, denied her that asylum, and bursting 
with rage, she seized the forearm of her assailant. But the dogs 
attacking her in the rear, compelled her to drop it, and the boy 
who was well accustomed to such encounters, seized a stick, which 
was close at hand, and laid his foe prostrate ; then tearing his shirt, 
made some bandages for the wound. A quarter grown cub, ran 
out of the cave, and the dam, placing herself between it, and the 
assailants, made the most energetic attempts to save the lives of 
"both, but unavailingly. 

Karl came up on foot, and firing a pistol, wounded her severely 
in the flank. Enraged by this, the lioness endeavored to close 
with her opponents, but was baffled; exhausted with suffering, 
and loss of blood, she crouched on the ground, panted, and watched 
for a favorable moment to renew the contest. Karl fired his pistol, 
which broke her hind paws, and greatly crippled all her move- 
ments , the pain was intense, and she growled savagely. Suddenly 
ehe looked toward the water, and making a mighty effort reached 
the stream ; but Jan was too quick for her, cut off her retreat, 
and stabbed her ; — thus ended the day's sport ; the cub was killed 
as the most humane disposition that could be made of it. 

As I had paid some attention to surgery, I now examined Fritz 1 * 
.round, which bled profusely, and found, that though he had 
been severely clawed, still no bones were broken, or out of place, 
Jan who was looking curiously on, said, " Massa I fix him," and 
disappeared on the wings of the wind, apparently unheeding my 
injunction, not to remain all day, but contrary to my expecta ion, 
he 3oom returned with some wet leaves, which he bound ov the 
oafltrtr's im to Ida immediate and great relief, and as th* «p* 



DISOOYSRIBS IK AFRICA. 67 

jras oppressive it was voted nem. con., that we should take a day's 
-est. Z was not sorry for this interval as I wished to pack up the 
skills, and arrange the bones of the animals, in all of which I was ' 
admirably seconded by Jan. The heat, especially to a foreigner, 
was at times insupportable, out under the shadows of the canvass I 
eould gaze uninterruptedly at the beauties so lavishly spread around 
me. 

A boy of about twelve years old, who belonged to the party 
of natives, who last visited us, remained behind, and attached 
himself to me. Next to Peter, he was the oddest looking elf J 
had ever seen, and in some respects surpassed even that worthy 'n 
ugliness. He was an inch or two less in height, and his tongue, 
which was too large for his mouth, lolled out incessantly. Neck he 
had none, and his head was on his shoulders. And such a head I 
oh ye Gods, such a head ! it was a complete square with two holes 
representing a nose, a cavern of a mouth ; the hands and feet rather 
resembled those of an ape, and had the thumb been an eighth of an 
inch longer, they might readily have passed for such. The eyes 
were small, black, and deeply set in the head, and the pupils were 
of a deeper yellow than, I had ever before seen. A series of gut- 
turals, which however were understood by Jan, constituted his con- 
versation ; the gift of a few brass buttons, had converted him, into 
one of my most zealous admirers. 

Dinner had been served with its usual empressement, and the 
quarters of the wild pig delicately browned, occupied the place 
of honor. After the meal, and just as we were on the point of 
sinking into a siesta, Jan and my new page presented themselves r 
and the latter asked permission to go to the water. 

"But he is not in my service, Jan." 

" All de same, massa, he stay wid you, he say, till we get to de 
Cape, or de farm again, and be yours till then." 

" Well Jan, if he is so obstinate, I suppose I must have him ; he 
k under your care ; get my gun, call one of the dogs, and I will go 
to the water with you." The river was unruffled, and myriadi 
ef wild ducks rested on its surface, raising my gun, I fired f n the 
midst of a covey, and some * fell in the water, which were brought 
out by the dogs. 

I advanced a little nearer, to take a good look at the stream, and 
•urrounding objects, when I saw what I conceived to be a log of 
wood floating outside the ducks, to which I drew Jan's attentio* 
aad asked him how k got there. 



68 RECENT REMAKKABLK 

" Cant tell inassa, one of the limbs of de big trees' Is blow ed 
down dere ; dey limbs is mighty big and tough." 

I resumed the sport, one duck fell rather out of the way; the 
boy volunteered to strip, and plunge in after the bird. Suiting 
the action to the word, he was soon struggling with the current, 
and I saw him extend his hand ; suddenly the welkin rang 
with a terrific shriek ; the water-fowl, alarmed at such an uncom- 
mon noise, huddled close together, as if seeking mutual protection, 
and I eagerly stepped forward, to ascertain the cause of this extra- 
ordinary noise, when I saw Jan standing, as if struck dumb with 
fear, and pointing in the direction of the river, hissed out the word, 
"crocodile;" he was almost white with consternation, and terror 
was painted in every lineament. 

The log was indeed a crocodile, and the reptile held the boy in 
his jaws, who uttered the most fearful cries for aid. All wero in the 
water, in the twinkling of 'an eye, and Matthias armed with a 
heavy mace, was soon alongside the monster, which gazed at him 
•teadfastly, but showed no intention of relinquishing its prey ; a 
heavy blow on the back was or seemed to be unfelt, and it swam 
in another direction, pursued by Matthias, who was endeavoring to 
plunge a hunting knife, which he constantly carried about his 
person, into the soft parts, under the paws, or near the eyes. Guns 
were fired, but the discharges rattled from his scales, as from a 
eoat of mail. Jan and two others, presented spears in front but 
the reptile constantly widened the distance between himself and 
his pursuers, and burdened as he was, swam so swiftly that he 
soon tired them out. Then another terrible shriek, the water 
was tinged with blood, and we knew that the work of destruction 
was progressing ; the men quitted the shores sadly and slowly, and 
it was k>ng ere I could forget the frightful scene I had witnessed. 

As we were near the famous Constantia plantation, I availed 
myself of the opportunity of visiting that celebrated establishment, 
which produces the richest vintage in the world ; and accompanied 
by Karl and Louis, was presented to the hospitable proprietor, who 
snowed us his -vineyard, and the manner of preparing this exquisite 
beverage. The best plants are chosen, planted, and carefully 
watched. The dead leaves are picked off and the ground watered 
at certain seasons ; when the fruit has reached its maturity, it is 
sorted into three heaps. The first quality wine is made of the 
ripest fruit. The second of the next best, with the must of the 
first ; and the third of the grapes left. 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA £0, 

B/eakfast wm hastily finished, the guns examined, and the 
horse* brought to the door. Some of the dogs were taken, and 
those 4hat were left behind testified their regret by the moat 
dolorous whines. At last we started, and on reaching Klink's fain 
were joined by himself and his two sons. 

The shepherd now commenced operations by unleashing his dog 
This animal was a full blooded African hound, of the purest breed 
with well rounded limbs, and an eye, that almost spoke. Taking 
a piece of raw meat, the shepherd followed by the dog, proceeded 
to the hen house, where the ground, thickly strewed with feathers, 
showed that the farmer had good cause for complaint — and the 
food set down. The hound leisurely devoured the morsel, and the* 
as if instinctively knowing what was wanted pricked up his ears, 
and barking put his nose to the ground. He next walked round 
the place three or four times smelling ; at last he had the scent, and 
looking round for his master, took a well trodden path, which we 
followed on horse back. Several fields were passed; the low hedges 
offering no impediments, till we found ourselves on a sandy plain, 
ornamented with some mimosas, and saw reclining under a largo 
shrub, a full grown leopardess which eyed us savagely, and lash- 
ing her side with her tail faced undauntedly the party arrayed for 
her destruction. Her jaws were stained with blood, and a hall- 
eaten sheep, showed that we k^d disturbed her at her lunoh. The 
dogs barked at her, from the four corners of the field, and thus 
out off her retreat Once indeed, she made a bound as if to es- 
cape, but seeing the spears extended to impale her, alighted about 
five feet from the place where she just stood and nervously jerked 
her tail. 

"Massa, massa," said Jan, "she fear, or she no shake she tail, J 
know dem beasts well/* 

" I am not so sure of that ," I replied " but we shall see." 

I then walked slowly up to the animal, who retreated as lei 
surely , and when at a proper distance, as she thought made I 
spring. But for this I was prepared, and received her on the point 
of a spear, which inflicted a severe wound in the lower part 
el the throat, ripped the skin, and occasioned great pain ; yet the 
leopardess judged herself mistress of us all, and turning fiercely ts 
the blood hound, which had tracked her, attempted to fix her talons 
is his throat. But the dog was a match for the leopardess, and 
sjad besides the superior advantage of coolness, and neither mads 



70 KJfiCENT REMAKKABLB 

any offer to move, though each was ready to take any advantage 
of a false move on the part of the other. I judged the moment 
favorable and softly approached behind ; but the animal's instinct 
Famed her that some greater danger was impending, and quitting 
4* he cbg, she directed her attention to me. I deliberatly fired, and U. 
ay great surprise, (for I had never, had such an easy victory, 
ither before or since) shot the leopardess, just above the eyes, and 
he expired without a groan ; a few convulsive movements only 
were perceptible. She was dead, and mine by universal acclama- 
tion, and was- sent home to await my leisure. As it was yet early 
we resolved to extend our rambles further, and speedily ea 
changed our location for perhaps the most charming spot in a hun- 
dred miles; the large and magnificent trees of the country 
afforded a grateful shelter, and .were filled with game of all kiinda, 
some of which I had never seen before, and to add to the beauty 
of the scene a wide and rather deep stream trickled below, and the 
ground beneath soon showed that we had aimed correctly, and the 
silence of the grove was broken by the report of the nrearmsaafto 
A wagon loaded with bread, wine and pastry, soon made its 
„ appearance, and the serious task of dinner engrossed the attention 
of all, and Jan giving a pan to a sable assistant exclaimed " I see 
JQHP'A ha* ' old dirw boaiaJa stew tw*i r.»Il ooiioinJasb i*A 
^l" What $o you see ?"{ ^•tirtnib fcj aw l«& beworfe , •• aeJee 

V De bee bird, or de bird dat always follows de bee, : and dere he 
is on dat tree," pointing as he spoke, to a tall shrub completely 
•overed with white and pin<k flowers. :oee tod .vqao 

fceaftNot there, Jan, certainly." ^ ode eieifw e 

" No Massa, not dere, but in de big tree, I see de bees go in." 
w But how shall we, get at the honey ?" 

" We bnrn him down massa, and — " A shriek interrupted the 
speaker; an enormous lioness leaped out of a thicket and with 
almost incredible rapidity, attached herself to the neck of a boy 
of fourteen, who was listening to Jan, and tearing aside his clothing 
was on the point of applying her mouth to his throat, her eyes 
flittered witt excitement, but she was not to have so easy a prey 
is she expected ; a shower of blows were rained on her back, and 
withdrawing her head, she fixed her teeth into the shoulder, 
jrhence she was dislodged by a red hot spit. This new specie* 
tf warfare, singed the hair from her head, and compelled her to re- 
lease 'he boy. The dogs unfortunately were not with us; the horse 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. 71 

aeighed. and exhibited all the symptoms of the most abject fearj 
Matthias who was in call assumed the command. By his order* 
the men ranged themselves in a circle, and her doom was fixed ; on 
she was determined to sell her life dearly. Making x despert 
J'3ap, she cleared the heads of her opponents, and was once more ) 
a moment free, The dogs, accompanied by the bloodhound, he* 
ing the tumult, came upon the scene. They at once comprehend 
the matter, and ranging themselves in a line presented an nnbrok* 
front ; the lioness raised her paw, prepared for a bound, but s addon \y 
changed her mind, and resolved to figbt it out. Part of a sheep 
was thrown to her as a bribe, but she angrily cast it aside, an<J 
stood on her diguity. Three men approached, and wounded her 
with spears ; terribly galled by the weapons, she ran among the grass 
m if searching for some root or vegetable to soothe the pain, which 
she still felt, and with her tongue lolling out of her mouth, cast 
longing glances at the water ; she was evidently devoured, with 
fchirst, but the dogs would not permit her to enjoy this luxury ; as 
% single plunge would have carried her beyond the reach of all her ' 
foes. A marsh thickly set with crimson flowers was about thirty 
feet off, but this refuge was also denied. Matthias followed her at 
©very step, and firing lamed her in the foreshoulder ; the blood 
poured out in torrents, she was forced to hobble ; slowly and pain- 
fully she dragged her way along till another shot inflicted a fright- 
ful wound in the chest ; this prostrated her, and she was unable, 
though she made sundry efforts, to rise, groaned and died. The 
i«ader may perhaps not be aware, but it is an acknowledged fact in 
frenerie, that all cats are courageous till wounded ; the sight of their 
own blood dampens their energies, and though they fight desper- 
ately, seem to lose their spirits. 

A. well known omcer, stationed at the Cape, but who had resided 
in Central India, told me, that he had made the same observation, 
and also, that he and three others had in the course of five hours 
bagged as many tigers. 

The foe killed, quiet once more reigned in the camp. Matthia 
who in addition to his rustic attainments had some practical 
knowledge of surgery, dressed the boy's wounds, made a mucb 
better bandage than the majority of medical students, tied up hit 
bead, and put him in the wagon to rest, till we should retura. 
Some light food was also prepared, and by the time ve reached 
aome, the youth was doing well. The teeth of these animals 



DISCOVERIES IK ATBIOA. ?3 

<r*«y sharp, and the power of jaws tremendous, and such encounters 
alien result in the worst cases of compound fracture. 

At sunset we returned home, and I there found some illustrated 
Dutch papers, and also some spirited drawings of the gorilla, with 
descriptive letter press ; and though well enough satisfied where 7 
was, I determined then and there to visit equatorial Africa. 
The society of the Cape did not please me, and I was tired of hunt- 
ing lions and tigers, and longed for more exciting sport. My 
resolution was soon taken, and providing myself with the articles 
that would be needed, I repaired at once, to the land about which 
I had heard so many wonders. 

I reached my destination safely, accompanied by Jan, with 
the intention of taking another servant after I had looked a little 
about me ; I wished to explore the territory stretching from the 
coast to the sierra del crystal. This region is the home of the fieroe 
and unconquerable gorilla, which in its lineaments nearly 
resembles the human family. This alone would be an inducement, 
but in addition, I had also heard of the nest-building ape. The 
rivers swarmed with hippopotami, the trees with birds of all sizes, 
and colors, and the ground with flowers of all possible varieties. 
My first stopping place, after I had crossed the desert was at Bara- 
ban, about eight miles above the Gaboon river, and I took there 
several days rest, which enabled me to make some observations on 
Che natives ; unlike Peter, who has been before introduced to our 
readers, these people are tall, with almost nondescript hands and 
feet, differing widely from those of any negro I had yet seen, but 
like the rest of the tribes, they are slowly and surely decreasing. 
Polygamy, war, and murder, are the chief causes of this depopula- 
tion. Four kings preside over as many villages, and it chanced 
that I was there when king Tomba, lord of the Gaboon village! 
shuffled off this mortal coil. The body was ornamented with the 
richest treasures of the late king. 

Claws of lions and pieces of elephants tusks rudely carved and 
fashioned, encircled his neck arms and ankles. A diadem of the 
*ost brilliant scarlet feathers rested on his brow and bright colored 
slothes were wrapped around the body. The Tfomen kept up a 
perpetual howling, and when one band ceased, another began. 
Priests clad in the most fantastic garbs, watched at the head and 
feet to scare off the evil spirits, one of the most distinguished chiefs, 
a talL and for bis nation, a handsome man came up, leading a child 



74 RECENT REMARKABLE 

of ten years of age by the hand, who gazed stupidly around, m 
if he did not know why he was brought there ; a few brief sentences 
were exchanged, and the head of the luckless urcnin, stricken off; 
tod as the body fell to the ground, the sorcerers came forward to 
catch the blood in vessels. This I was afterwards informed was 
kept to anoint the wounds, and was supposed to possess magical 
virtues. The boy was decapitated to inform the king's ancestors 
that he would shortly be with them. Next day three more were 
immolated, and their remains interred with considerable ceremony 
beneath a stone altar in view of the whole nation. Some wrest- 
lers then came up in the vacant space, and after many incantations, 
their limbs were rubbed with blood from the boy, and they fought 
and contended till night. The populace then retired, but shortly 
reappeared with torches shedding a lurid light over the whole 
scene, and the elder priest raising himself on a small platform, 
commenced in a melancholy tune, a species of hymn, which the 
others took up, and the whole assembly joined in the chorus, tiU 
the woods and the distant mountains rang again with the wild and 
melancholy music. Twelve men like mutes, and as if carved in 
<?tone, stood near the dead monarch. The high priest, or he who 
officiated as such, raised a kind of crosier terminating in an ox's 
head ; six men next came up, who clasped their hands on their 
breast, and stood as if awaiting further commands. They were 
mot kept long in suspense, six more priests, accompanied by three 
men approached these motionless figures, who then kneeled, and I 
liad a pretty good idea of what would follow next. I turned away 
my head, and closed my eyes, to shut out the horrid spectacle, but 
a terrible fascination overcame me, and I looked again. The men 
were no longer there ; six priests each grasping a head stood near 
the corpse, as if offering a sacrifice to its manes. The senior 
priest gave a loud shout, when all retired. The king with the at- 
tendants who had been slaughtered to bear him company, were 
secretly burned, as none except a few elders of the tribes knew the 
sepulchres of the king and his dignitaries : 1 was then taken to a 
feast, and the banquet was prolonged till sunrise, when tea. tily 
iired I sought my couch. This nation is agricultural, and with the 
exception of a few antelopes hunt but little. I therefore deter- 
mined to visit the cannibals, and explore the river Mini to its 
fecad waters. 

I accordingly embarked in a rough canoe, hewn oat of a tree* 



DISCOVERIES UT AFRICA. 76 

taking with mo nine blacks, and Jan, as a crew, and also carrying, 
to bear my expenses, and for presents, bullets, guns, tobacco, pow- 
der, gay buttons, nails, hardware, beads of all possible colors, red 
green and blue flannels, and as the store keepers generally would 
H&y an assortment too tedious to mention. 

We stopped during the heat of the day, and the men showed 
themselves exceedingly adroit in snaring sundry annimals and 
cooking; our first resting place, was at an assemblage of huts 
dignified with the name of Forshi. The chief, when he heard of my 
arrival, expressed his gratification, and sent me a basket of plain- 
tains, and boiled fish, off which I supped right royally. The next 
day I reciprocated his courtesy, by a pressent of blue glass beads 
with a yellow locket, which in his majesty's eyes, were as precious 
as diamonds. This potentate was a sharp trader, and as I had been 
Before put on my guard, I did not allow him to get the better 
of me; he had consequently a high opinion of my judgment and 
Business tact. , . . t. , 

' ^fnese people are exceedingly cruel and blood-thirsty, and I 
heard that an old man was in custody on the charge of having 
killed some' persons, and I asked Jan, if such was really the case. 

"Oh no," was the reply, "he did not really kill them, but he was 
. H puch a terrible old magician, that he must die, and that it was a 
great shame, that such a wicked old man should be permitted to 
live so long. , , 

I asked to see this noted erimihal ' and was conducted to a hut 
where I beheld a very aged man, who must have been nearly 
eighty ; his wool was white, his limbs were shrunken and faded, 
and his years would soon put him in the common resting place 
of all. A look of inconceivable misery was stamped upon his 
countenance, and when I asked him, if he had no one who eared for 
him, he looked very sorrowfully, his eyes filled with tears, and he 
made no reply. Some seven or eight boys, who acted as guards 
taunted, and occasionally struck him. I turned my head, saw a 
little commotion in the crowd, and perceived a woman about sixty, 
who was talking earnestly, gesticulating violently, and fighting her 
way through the crowd to the hut, where the pretended wizard was 
confined. I sent Jan, who was looking piteously at the old man, 
to ask who she was, and what she wanted. 

u She he wife, massa." 

u Well then take her to the hut, and sec what you can do t* 

ke th# old man more comfortable." 



76 RECENT REMARKABLE 

Jan who was really a good hearted fellow and who liked the 
excitement pushed his way through the mob and brought the 
woman to her husband. His kindness did not stop there, but he 
look them some plaintains aud water, and by a judicious bribe, the 
guards promised that they would not torment them. Leaving the 
unhappy man more easy, I went to the chief, and endeavored te 
soften his heart ; but all to no purpose, three tempting red hand- 
kerchiefs, and three small looking-glasses were vainly offered ; the 
king was obdurate. I added two brass rings set with imitation 
•tones, and some tobacco, but though he looked eagerly at the 
articles spread before him, still refused, and at last said ; — 

" The man was a wizard, he must die ; all the people said so, and 
he could not save him if he would." 

All night long, I heard the most savage ories and yells, ti, ti, or 
the devil was repeated ; fire brands were kindled, and they danced 
like fiends round the enclosure — from time to time the priests 
harangued, and the crowd testified their approbation by a series 
stf prolonged shouts. 

Day broke, and just as the sun rose, Jan hurried up to me, and 
said; — 

* Massa, de people kill dat man, for suref 9 

Hastily pitching on my clothes, I sallied out, and saw the old 
saan with his wife clinging around him, when she perceived me, 
she quitted him, and clasping my kness, with tears streaming down- 
her cheeks besought me to intercede for her husband's life. 

I summoned Jan, and as he was rather a favorite, offered higher 
bribes, but with the same result as before. I glanced around, and 
saw every black face, was made still blacker by hatred and malice ; 
all were armed, and those who were unable to procure deadlier 
weapons, had large stones which were evidently aimed at the 
wizard. One person, more adventurous than his companions, stepped 
up, seized the unhappy old man, and bound him to a large log on the 
river bank. Another then came up, and taking a hatchet, chipped 
off a finger. A third, more barbarous, and wishing to protract the 
agony cut off the fingers, joint by joint. This last exploit, war 
much admired; the blood ran in torrents from the sufferer; he> 
seemed greatly exhausted, and pointed with his gory stumps to the 
river, as if craving water. I raised a calabash, put it to his lips> 
and never did I receive a look of more intense gratitude. But 
the fiends thought they were acting too mercifully. A fire was 
kindled, and some pieces of blazing wood were applied te his head r 



DISCOVERIES IK ATBIOA. 77 

o 

fill the skull was denuded of all covering. The arms were next 
amputated in three pieces : each groan was answered with shouta f 
of applause and derision. The magician (if indeed he deserved 
that title, for no specific charge was brought against him,) 
motioned with his head to the river, as if begging his tormentors 
to plunge him in the stream, but that was too merciful a death, and 
the idea could not be entertained for a moment. The populace 
joined hands, executed a war dance, performed tricks, and then 
resumed their hellish sport. The feet, legs, and thighs disappeared, 
and nothing, but the trunk, was left, still the old man lived, though 
suffering the most exquisite torture. His chest was next opened, 
his heart torn out, and his skull knocked to pieces. A funeral 
pyre was erected, on which the fragments were thown, and in a 
short time, a few ashes alone remained to show that a man once 
existed. Not relishing the thought of remaining in a place, where 
I had witnessed such a terrible tragedy, I resolved at once to quit. 
Packing up my household gear, I betook myself to my canoe and 
after some hard paddling, reached a Shepiani village, where I was 
desirous of staying a little while to examine the surrounding 
country. Leaving my effects in the charge of three of my most 
trusty attendants, I commenced my pedestrian tour. Nothing 
\owever repaid our search, or compensated our toil. We delved 
through the thickest jungles, tore our clothes to ribbands, but 
uselessly, and worn out in body and wearied in mind, gladly saw 
signs of a human habitation, and soon were in the midst of a 
village, and warmly welcomed by its inhabitants. 

The people in this part of Africa, are more like apes than men. 
You can scarcely say, that they have even the imperfect noses 
of many of the baboon tribe, holes alone are visible. Of fore- 
heads, they have hardly a trace, and without any exfto^reratioQ^ 
their mouths reach from ear to ear. The fingers are sho*., and 
the thumbs exceedingly long : in fact I expected to see a tail, 
and thought myself among an assemblage of apes not m*a. 
But, as they were so hospitable and kind, I must in com^ca 
courtesy, call them human beings. 

All were painted with red and yellow in streaks, to which 
others had added bright green ; which curiously contrasted with 
their sombre skins. All had blackened their teeth, and orna- 
mented their heads with plumes of feathers of different colors. 
All those nondescripts regarded their visitors with the greatest 



8 RECENT REMAR 

eunosity. The king paid me a complimentary visit with mnch 
ceremony, und bestowed upon me, the welcome gift of a goat and 
some plaintains. A single fact, will show how nearly these people 
approach the ape. The plaintain is easily cultivated, aud yield* 
immensely, yet the negroes are too lazy or improvident, to give 
even the slight attention it demanded, to secure a full crop. 

The royal munificence was not confined to the gift mentioned^ 
but I thought it expedient to decline any further civilities for the 
present, though offered a wife, if I would prolong my stay. I 
therefore continued my journey, and after a route of several days, 
found myself at the second mountainous range of the sierra del 
crystal, and the sight which presented itself more than repaid 
me for all my toil. 

A tremendous torrent dashed down the hill at an angle of forty 
degrees, running and foaming like a sea. Immense granite blocks 
with which giants might play, were scattered here and there, 
though the water course and the spray, was thrown up to the tope 
of the trees, growing near the edge. I gazed long at the magnifi- 
cent panorama, spread before me; but my delight was abruptly 
terminated by a slight hissing noise, and I beheld one of the 
most venomous serpents of that part of Africa, coiled up before me, 
which looking straight in my face, seemed to ask me, by what 
right I dared to enter upon that ground, which had so long been 
sacred to himself and his kindred. These queries were answered 
by a shot from my gun, which blew out his brains, and settled hie 
ideas of territorial right. This reptile was about eighteen feet long, 
and his monstrous fangs proved that he could have inflicted severe 
wounds. The men skinned the monster, whose scales resembled 
gems, and making a bed of coals, roasted his snakeship on the 
embers ; though invited, I refused to partake of the banquet. This 
species kills by bites not compression, and their chief food is com- 
posed of rats, mice, small birds, and when they can be obtained 
putrid fish, at least judging from the remains found in their 
stomachs. The men made a hearty meal, and I who was hungry 
looked vainly round for something to satisfy my appetite, and was 
searching for a small root, which when roasted bears some resem- 
blance to a sweet potatoe, when I saw that the reeds had bee*n 
slightly moved, and were pressed down, as by the weight of a 
heavier body. There were besides some half chewed fragment* 
ef the wild sugarcane. The most intelligent of the men elosel? 



DISCOVERIES IK AFRICA, 



79 



examined the spot, putting his eye to the ground ; and then 
ixclaimed, as if struck by a sudden conviction, " The gorilla 
has been here, let us go and follow him " But after a moment 1 * 
refleenon, raising his hand, he went a little farther, and retarned 
with the gratifying information, that he had seen four mori, or a* 
least their traces. 

X felt a pleasing terror, at the idea of encountering the monarch 
ei chese vast solitudes ; for be it known, that this animal far exceeds* 
the leopard, tiger and panther in strength, and the native aver 
that the lion rather shuns the combat. I was also aware that if the 
gorilla had the advantage in a fight, there was little or no chance 
for the life of his opponent. As we proceeded to meet this redoubt- 
able foe, the men told the most fearful tales. Two women were 
once washing together at nightfall, when a gorilla, tore out of a 
thicket, and carried one off. Her companion returned to the 
village, gave the alarm, and all the inhabitants repaired to the 
scene of disaster, but no traces could be found of their lost friend. 
Three days after, she returned, having been misused by the 
gorilla. Another, with all imaginable gravity related that a party 
once met some gorillas, which were making up some bundles 
of sugar cane to carry off; one of them captured a man, and forced 
him to accompany them, this individual returned home after an 
absence of three days, with the nails of his fingers and toes torn out 
by the roots. It was also, they alleged, the custom of these beasts 
to hide themselves in the thickest parts of the trees, watch for the 
unsuspecting traveller, man or beast and when secured drag up their 
prey with their arms; all agreed that the animal did not eat 
flesh of any kind ; some of these stories were improbable, but all 
doubtless had some foundation. The more intelligent dwelt upon 
his origin, and asserted, that when men in this world were very 
wicked, they were changed into gorillas, and that such never can be 
caught, but wander perpetually about the forests, doing a vast 
deal of mischief. 

The men were divided into two parties, Jan led one, I the other j 
advancing softly, and almost holding our breath, with cocked guns 
in hand, gently turned the corner of a rock and were startled by a 
series of deep discordant cries. Five young gorillas, on all fours 
/ere scampering off, at the top of their speed to the forest ; we 
fired, but vainly, the animals were too sagacious to stop, and the 
swiftest Arab Top-gallant himself, in his palmiest days, could nod 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. 81 

hare overtaken them. The fruit was not yet ripe, and a few hum- 
ming birds constituted all the game. It must be confessed that 
this was not a very alluring prospect for a hungry man, one 
monkey, who seemed the sole survivor of his race, lurked is the 
Soughs, but I could never accustom myself to such food. The 
men, Jan excepted, seized the little caricature on humanity and 
pronounced him delicious. Some few roots afforded me a raeagre 
repast. 

After a tramp of some days, I entered the country of the Fans, 
and these in comparison with the population I had just left were 
angels of light. The clothing of these people was very scanty ; a 
tiger's skin hung from the neck, and they were ornamented with 
strips of bark, but evidently regarded covering as a superfluity. 
Some had filed their teeth to sharp points, and others had applied a 
eoloring matter, which gave them the hue of ebony. The head 
gear, changed with the tastes of the wearers, and all carried ele- 
phant shields, manufactured out of the skin of that animal, hard- 
ened or rather smoked in the fire, which makes it as durable as 
iron. They also were decorated with old nails, feathers, claws 
of birds, and fingers and tails of monkeys, and various other trifles. 
As Gree-Gree, or charms to keep off the evil eye, the women were 
painted red. 

For the next three days we tracked the gorillas, and often fell 
in with half-gnawed green plaintains, and other substances showing 
that they could not be far off. Food began to be more plenty, 
some monkeys and birds were killed. I supped well, smoked a 
pipe, and after discussing the chances of meeting and killing a 
gorilla, wrapped myself in a blanket, and was soon in the land 
of Nod. 

The following morning, I awoke exceedingly refreshed. The 
country, is rough, hilly, and presents but few facilities for sport, 
but I was bent on getting at least one specimen, if no more, of thi» 
ape. Hours passed, and yet there were no signs of our prey. The 
monkeys chattered, the birds flew from limb to limb of the tree% 
when one of the men, who was well versed in field tactics, lifted 
his finger to impose silence, and we heard the breaking of twigs. 

The noise continued, and crushed berries, and branches stripped 
of their fruit were thrown on the ground with a crash. We stole 
stealthily along, and the silence was broken by a loud ncrce, and 
long continued baxk, and a large full grown gorilla, stood before u*« 



82 BKCKKT REMAREJLBL? 

He had pierced the jungle, on all fours, but when he saw that his 
presence was anticipated, stood erect, and faced us undauntedly, 
At perhaps a distance of a dozen yards. All held their breath, but 
kept strictly on the defensive. But though the gorilla was unused 
to the spectacle, he was not afaid, but beat his breast, which is their 
usual mode of defiance, at the same time uttering the most deaf- 
ening cries. These have the most fearful sound, and seem rather 
to proceed from the paunch and chest, than the throat and lungs. 
The eyes gleamed with demoniac fury, and the crest of short hair 
on the forehead was alternately elevated, and depressed. 

Dante could have conceived nothing more frightful, than the 
appearance of the creature, which stood before me. Half human, 
and half brutal, he seemed to concentrate in his person, all the evil 
qualities of both species. Had I been a believer in the doctrino 
of metempsychosis, I could have believed, that the soul of a mur- 
derer and miser had been condemned to inhabit such a tenement, 
and that the spirit longer for revenge on all its species. Short as 
the time had been, I took in the animal at a glance 

The silence was again broken, by a series of unearthly roars ; but 
the sagacity of the brute was not at fault, and though he again beat 
his breast, and stood on the defensive, he made no attack. Three 
guns, lightened of their contents deprived him of life, and he fell 
heavily to the ground. The breath was no sooner out of the body, 
than the men, commenced disputing about the meat, and how it 
should be cooked, and a difficulty might have arisen, but for- 
tunately a deer was shot, on which we dined, which left me in quiet 
possession of my prize. 

This specimen was six feet high, with deep grey eyes, an 
enormous body, a huge chest, and long muscular arms. The 
brains which was in a large cavity in the skull is particularly 
esteemed by the natives, who out of it manufacture various charms, 
and attribute to it the most astonishing virtues. 

Ten days were passed w atching for gorillas, but we saw none 
either young or old, and shifted our quarters to the village of the 
cannibals. On our route, we stopped to look at the villagers, and 
frequently saw women boiling plaintains, which they eat with 
large quantities of red pepper. All their culinary operations wera 
conducted with the greatest cleanliness, and the most fastidious 
would not have hesitated to partake of the food so prepared. 



DISCOVERIES IN AFBICA. 83 



DIAEY CONTINUED. 



bo 



Nearly a week was passed at camp, but the elephants did not 
come; at length however, signs, with which the initiated alone are 
conversant, indicated his approach, and it was resolved to try tht 
other method in vogue among the natives. The path or road 
which they take is watched; a piece of very heavy wood with the 
point hanging downward, and to which a sharp iron haa been 
attached, is placed in a tree, so fixed with a rope that the least 
touch will derange the whole. The sharp iron points enter the 
spine, and death immediately ensues. I returned to my hut 
where one of the queens, who had come from the village wi'h a 
variety of articles, brought me some plaintains, which smelled 
deliciously, but which as I did not know how they were prepared, 
was compelled to reject. r ^ 

This people, also possesses some ingenuity in the manufacture 
of hardware and earthen vessels, and have a natural talent for the 

TtZS^Z ° 0Uld be raiS6d hj CUUUre ' t0 S hi « h **«• 

My sojourn among the Fans, was now ended, and after manv 

and b rd, S u ^ ^^ *** ba ^ a S e - as the <**» 
andbirds I had collected, were heavy, went to another African 

Village. But my way thither, though the track of the elephant 
was seen and the leopard was known to frequent these wood? 
was as silent as the grave. Not a sound fell on the ear A 
few cameleons, and lizards, were the only living creatures we 'saw 
and we were forced to subsist on the cassava bread, the gift of Te 
cf the queens. A settlement of the Mbichos arrested our pro- 
gress, for a- few hours, but the people were poor, and so stupid, 
hat w e c ld i scarce , ke them understa J th ; t wewante P ^ 

httie meat. Some ripe fruit, that we gathered after leaving thb 
people somewhat compensated us for our disappointment, and we 
resumed our journey with better spirits. The plateau or higl 
ndge, we were now crossing was covered with immense granite 



84 RECKOT REMARKABLE 

Uooks, many of them twenty feet hj one hundred long. We aiae 
sa ir a fine large cavern, but which [ did not care to examine, as I 
§aw the tracks of sundry wild beasts on the outside. Another 
presented itself^ with a stream of water running through the 
middle, and arming myself, and my followers, we entered with 
lighted torches, disturbing myriads of bats, and two or three 
ground hogs, and small squirrels, but nothing else rewarded us. 
We passed over a mangrove swamp, where serpents always lurk, 
and one poor fellow, gave himself up for lost, when he felt th$ 
elammy fold of a snake, encircling his ankle, but fortunately, the 
reptile proved harmless. The rainy season had now set in. I 
determined to visit the Moondack; I therefore laid in a new stock 
of goods to pay my travelling expenses, and sent all the luggage 
I could spare to my former head quarters, and started afresh. 
I visited several African villages, and though incessant in my 
inquiries after game, and though I saw tracks of the elephant 
and leopard, I could not secure a specimen of either, but my efforts 
eoncerning the human curiosities were far from fruitless. 

About oue hundred miles from the capitol of the Cape Lopea 
eountry, I encountered a nation of pigmies, who lived in a com- 
munity by themselves, and who were of royal and priestly descent 
On my entrance to the village, fifty aranged themselves in such a 
manner, as to obstruct our progress, but by signs, and a few words, 
I explained, that I would do them no harm, and offered them some 
beads, this act of courtesy, won the heart of their chief, and he 
politely asked me to pass the night. 

These diminutive creatures, which seem rather creatures of some 
antastic poet, or the sprites of a magician, are about three feet 
three inches high, jet black, and with all the negro features. The 
skull bears a considerable resemblance to that of the smaller tribe 
of monkeys, and the feet are more like hands, than the pedal 
extremities of the Caucasian, or any of the Indian races. The tribe, 
was originally numerous, but by repeated intermarriages, and a 
jealous desire of keeping pure the blood, they had dwindled to the 
inhabiting that small tract. On the following morning, I strayed 
to what seemed a burial ground, where I obtained a skull, which 1 
submitted to a close examination. The intellectual organs were 
email, the animal organs, large, and the fingers differed widely 
from any I had ever seen ; I also found a hand, and part of an arm. 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. 



85 



I again commenced my wanderings, and encamped about twenty 
miles from the place of my last sojourn, in the hope of ****&% 
some game, but was again disappointed, and felt a little «xxe at 
heart, as I had began to call the last place home, the natives were 
accustomed to me, and I to them ; the encampment was nude, and I 
had caught only a few birds and was returning, whea T saw a 
buffalo, but he. did not notice me. I whistled and was joined by 
my chief man, and together we faced the beast, but he #as as mo- 
tionless as before. The African listened attentively, lo» »ked round, 
and said. 

II A leopardess is near, I can smell her." 

Myself and my companion cautiously moving on o%e side, saw 
the object of the buffalo's dread. 

The animal likewise saw us, and was very doubtful, which she 
should attack, the men or beast ; the buffalo reaskared by the 
presence of his human allies, took to his heels, with ^.he greatest 
rapidity, and soon disappeard in a cloud of dust, atd I availed 
myself of his unceremonious exit, to shoot the leopardess, who had 
been watching, her prey, vanishing from her crutches. The men, 
after reserving some of the meat and tongue, for ima ediate use, 
passed the balance of the day, and part of the night, in smoking 
the residue of the flesh. There was a trifling dispute about the 
gall and brain of the leopardess, both of which ire highly 
valued. 

The tracks of elephants were noticed, and late in thti afternooa, 
I saw a large bull standing by a tree. But, as I had only pistols, 
I was compelled to summon the man, who acted for the nonce 
as my head huntsman, who after a short survey of the ground, 
said, " I shall kill him in five minutes, or I am a dead man." 

The African after cocking his musket, dropped down on aB 
fours, the tall grass, which came up to his waist, entirely con- 
eealing him from observation. We watched till he was out 
^f sight. The air was very still, and the least noise could be 
heard. Suddenly there was a smoke, accompanied with a clear 
ringing sound, and a loud crash, and we knew that the elephant? 
had fallen. One of his tusks, I gave to the hunter, the other, I 
kept myself 



86 RECENT REMARKABLE 

I loaded the Cecela, a small well built vessel of sixty tons, wilfc 
various stores. Tobacco, earthen and iron ware, pipes, calboea, 
red cloth, cheap swords, beads, brass kettles and some provisions. 
The captain was a half bred Portuguese negro, an excellent sailor, 
but tricky and dishonest; at least a dozen different languages were 
•spoken on board, and some two weeks passed, on the voyage, 
which as usual was barren of incident. After making some stop- 
pages, I landed at a Camma village, which as' it had no name, I 
called London, unloaded my stores, and sat down for a few days in 
a hut. 

The Camma people are far from handsome, but even in a land, 
where such hideous specimens of humanity meet the eye con- 
stantly, they are conspicuous. Considerably above the average 
height, they are terribly proportioned. The eyes are of a yellowish 
black, and exceedingly prominent; the ears, large, pendulous, and 
shaped like those of an elephant ; the nose bears some resemblance, 
but is not so well shaped as a similar organ in the gorilla, and the 
beast has at least one advantage, that is, expresses some intelligence^; 
whereas these faces have one uniform, stolid dark look. The back 
part of the head is flat, and the forehead retreats; the arms are 
rather longer than in the whites, stout, and musculai ; the ankles 
very thick, and the hands more like those of an ape, than a man. 
This conveys but a fsint idea of the inhabitants of the Camma 
country, and it would require the genius of Gall or Spurzheim to 
classify this most cuiious race, this cross between mankind and 
the monkey; but I hope and truly believe that other travellers 
will confirm my story. I bought a large and handsome canoe, and 
prepared for an up river excursion, proceeding about thirty miles 
the first day and then resting. On the second, we made a pretty 
village, and found all the inhabitants, but one man and his wife* 
absent, engaged in the manufacture of palm oil, and caught some 
rare birds. A goat was presented on which we dined, and resumed 
our journey, passing through different villages, with unpronounce- 
able names. At my last stopping place I heard that some of the 
natives were forming a party to go on a gorilla hunt, and offered 
to join them; adding at the same time, some tobacco and beads. 
In the evening I was invited to a grand feast and asked to form 
one of the party. 

The provisions were cooked, and a company of ten started; * 
great part of the way was under large trees, casting a gratefai 



DISCO 7ERIJE8 D* AFRICA. 87 

shade. I was eagerly examining the grounds for traces of animals, 
when to my joy I saw some half bitten roots, and knew that wa 
should soon find the animal of which I was in search. I wa3 not 
disappointed, I saw some half bitten roots, and knew that we 
should soon come up to a gorilla. There was a slight, rustling 
of the twigs and I heard the cry of a young gorilla for its mother. 
Fearful of attracting its attention, we concealed ourselves in a 
clump of small trees, and the animal after a close survey of the 
neighborhood, ventured to descend from the tree, in which it was 
perched, and taking its seat upon the ground commenced eating 
some berries. The mother soon joined her offspring, a chattering 
ensued between the pair, and the other raising herself on her hind 
legs soon perceived us. But for this we were prepared, the guns 
had been loaded. I took a correct aim, and she fell, ere she re- 
covered from her astonishment. 

The noise of the guns alarmed the young one, and he flew to his 
parent, embracing the body and endeavoring to ascertain why she 
did not move. Jan and myself approached, and seizing him by the 
arm endeavored to capture him, but with wonderful dexterity, he 
wrenched himself from our grasp, and ran up a small tree, at the 
foot of which the men stationed themselves, who after the laps© 
of two hours, seeing that master gorilla did not descend, fired. 

The creature's natural instinct warned him, that such a resting 
place was dangerous, and he prepared to vacate the premises. As 
the gorilla leaped to the ground, a man stood ready with a cloth to 
throw over his head, and the animal was thus secured. In spite 
however of all precautions, the men did not escape, as one was 
severely bitten in the arm, and the other had a piece takeu out 
of the fleshy part of the leg. The next question was how he 
should be brought to the village, as he was, though very young, 
exceedingly strong, had a savage temper, and was by no means 
backward in showing it. We had caught one of the wonders 
of the world. Pride would not permit us to abandon him, and yet, 
we were all afraid to go near him. 

At length a way was found , a forked stick was prepared, in 
which his neck was thrust, and in this guise we entered the village 
with oui surly captive, which the natives eagerly crowded to see. 

The new comer, did not at all relish the attention which some 
of the boys were disposed to lavish upon him ; bo snapped, snarlecj, 
smd pl«^nly said in manner, " Let me get at you, and I will tes/S> 



DISCOVERIES IN AFKTCA. 89 

yon another lesson." His eyes meantime, gleaming with malice. 

As lie was now safe, I ordered a bamboo cage, with strong slata, 
to be made; in which I deposited the prisoner, after removing the 
stick «ehich hurt his neck. As he was now safe, a»d the bustle and 
excitement, attendant on his arrival had subsided, I was able 
to examine this extraordinary creature, which seemed so closely 
connected with the people around me As I before said, he was 
nut full grown, and might be considered as an infant. 

This specimen was about three feet, eight inches high, with very 
black face, and hands. 

The hair commencing at the eyebrows, and ascending to the 
crown was of a reddish brown. Both lips were covered with short 
coarse hair. 

He was fully able to stand alone 

The hair on some parts of the body was thicker than on others, 
and was jet black. I approached the cage, and whistled to Harry, 
for men was the name I gave nim. He did not change his position, 
glanced savagely at me, and when he thought that he would not be 
seen made a lunge at my leg, and succeeded in tearing the 
pantaloons He then looked at me, with the most savage malice, 
and retreated to the further end of his cage. Two days thus passed, 
and the animal rejected every species of food. The third day, he 
nibbled the white parts of a few pineapple leaves, but his temper 
w&* unchanged, and he threatened to tear in pieces all who 
approached him. The fourth day he succeeded in breaking the 
bars of his cage, and making his escape. 

I instantly secured my gun, as I was determined to take him 
dead or alive, at the same time issuing orders, to surround the 
wood, and use all exertions to take him ; as I thought of course, 
that he would at once seek his native wilds, and I was exceedingly 
surprised at hearing a savage growi from under the rough 
boards, dignified with the name of bedstead, found Harry there, 
and felt that he showed every inclination to retain undisturbed 
possession of the place. He was again secured, and I went 
to the door, which I barricaded from the outside, and then, looked 
In at the windows. Harry stood in the middle of the room, care- 
fully examining the different articles around him; fearing he 
aiight damage some which I could not replace, I sent to the vil»* 
lago for a net, and opening the door, the beast, as I expected^ 
eushed out, and was speedily entangled in its mashes; not at aB 



PO RECTCNrT REMARKABLE 

daunted even by this unfavorable position, Harry kicked, strag- 
gled, and attempted to bite, but the attention of eight men, proved 
too much, and greatly to his regret, Harry was reconducted to 
his former quarters. He refused to eat, would not come when 
called, sat moping in a corner of his cage, and his temper waa 
still morose and sullen. He remained thus for two iveeks, at tho 
end of that time, I resolved on starvation, and for three days, 
neither food nor drink was given him. I then went near the cage, 
with some berries in my hand. Harry looked askance, hesitated, 
and then timidly took the fruit from me, but from me only would 
lie permit such familiarity, but no further persuasions would 
induce him to do more. When half starved, he would accept 
sustenance from me, but no black man, woman or child, dared 
come near him, and the very sight of their sable faces would 
throw him into paroxysms of rage and terror. Again he escaped, 
and was seen hastening with all possible speed to a clump of trees 
near my hut, but was intercepted. He then made for another, 
and on his way, overthrew a poor fellow, who nearly died 
of fright. The delay proved disadvantageous to Harry, though 
he contrived to mount a tree, where he was dislodged, caught 
by four men, conducted to his former quarters, and fastened to a 
post ; even then, he was scarcely safe, though a strict guard waa 
maintained. But such close confinement, ill agreed with an ani- 
mal, which had been accustomed to such a wild and free range 
of forest land. His temper was more savage than before, and at 
the end of ten days, he sickened and died. During the whole 
of this time his ferocity was unabated, and though he evidently 
preferred me to any one else, I was only tolerated, no mere ; he 
would do his best to tear my clothing, and the last time I saw 
him alive he grinned at me savagely. From this experiment, 
I should say, that the race was incapable of domestication. I 
felt sorry when I had lost the little animal it cost me so much 
trouble to capture. 

But other matters claimed my attention ; the natives were 
•peaking of the hippopotami, and as they were scarce, and hard to 
take, some of the more experienced hunters and myself agreed 
to go out one nfjht in a canoe to see what what could be done, 
and about three nights after started in a canoe. We had scarcely 
gone more than a hundred yards down the rtream, before we 
kaard the noise, which heralds the approach rf these creatures! 



DISCOVERIES Iff AFRICA 91 

AaA we saw six or seven at a little distance, but which, fortunately 
for us, did not perceive our party ; I tried the first shot, and was 
successful, and subsequently killed three, all of which I rescued. 
The boat received a violent shock, and was capsized ; it Beemed to 
me, however, the animals were more anxious to escape, than do 
damage. 

But I wished to hunt them on land and blackened my face, for, 
&)1 the animals here, have a mortal aversion to a white skin. At 
last, a large male came puffing and blowing out of the water, and 
we cautiously approached him from behind, as this animal is dan- 
gerous; the light was uncertain, but I fired. The beast torned 
round, and my companions fearing the consequences took to their 
heels, but there was no reason for so doiug as the hippopotamus 
had received its death wound. 

The flesh I gave to the natives, who had a feast, at which two 
ungainly visitors from a distant tribe were present, who bore a 
strong resemblance to Peter. Necks they seemed to have none, 
and their heads were apparently set upon their shoulders, without 
that appendage; their lips were thicker than usual, and they had 
no thumbs, this was a peculiarity common to the nation ; the heads 
were so curious that I will scarcely venture to describe them ; their 
legs were short, and their arms long out of proportion. 

A heavy rain fell the next day, and being obliged to keep within 
doors, I sketched the hippopotamus ; these animals are very stoutly 
and even clumsily built. The lower jaw is mobile; the male in 
some cases, attains the bulk of an elephant. The stomach, when 
the animal is overgrown, is pendulous, and drags upon the ground 
as they walk. The feet have four hoofs, and can be stretched; 
the skin is almost bullet proof, and with a few exceptions almost 
hairless. The tusks and teeth are of the finest and whitest ivory, 
*nd constitute a considerable article of traffic, as they are exten- 
sively used by the dentists in Europe and America. They ars 
gregarious, and associate in flocks, ranging from twenty to thirty. I 
once witnessed a contest of considerable duration between tws- 
targe males. 

Their mouths were opened to the fullest extent, their eyes flamed 
with rage, and they threw their whole strength into the combat. 
Each tried to annihilate the other, and the most terrible blowt 
were inflicted with the sharpest tusks. They advanced and re- 
treated, plunged into the water, disappeared, and retiring to ths 



92 SSGKKT REMARKABLE 

wurface, renewed the contest. The water was tinged with their 
blood, and both combatants were convulsed with rage. The vie- 
ory was at last decided, and one was killed. The other coolly 
•warn away, and I saw no more of him. 

Tired of this life, I assembled my party, and after a tedious travel 
found myself on the banks of the Ogobay. This river abounds in 
fish of all kinds, and a cast with a net will procure a meal for a 
dozen; the gold and silver fish, were exceedingly plenty. The 
banks are the great resorts of pelicans, swans, marabouts, which can 
be seen at all hours, and what to me was more acceptable crocodiles 
were to be had. I also heard that the nest building ape was to be 
found in the vicinity. No traveller has ever yet seen, or taken this 
animal, and if I am so fortunate, it will be an era in natural history. 
The natives who are found of the flesh of the crocodile were anxious 
for the sport, and we soon found ourselves on the water. The 
vessels used on these expeditions are of light draught, about fifty 
feet long, and three broad. The gunwale is only a few inches above 
the water ; they are propelled by paddles, and move rapidly A 
number of crocodiles were seen in the water, and others were 
sunning themselves on the sandbanks. I made my arrangements, 
but rather preferred catching my prey on land, to the water, as 
if wounded in the latter element, they sink to the bottom and are 
tost. *** 

Fortune, however in this instance favo**ed me , 1 saw an inmeuse 
fellow on the banks, taking his ease among the reeds I stationed 
some five or six men, between the river, and his monstrosity, and 
then fired. He was not hurt, the balls rattled off like rain, but he 
was considerabl y alarmed ; rose heavily, looked around, opened 
wide his tremendous jaws, disclosing the sharpest, and most glitter 
ing teeth, and then having satisfied himself that danger was 
brewing, hastily made for the water, but clubs, and harpoons drove 
him back. He paused for an instant, and measuring the space 
between us endeavored to turn round, but he had no sooner effected 
his object, ere I was on the other side, and as he moved, stabbed 1 
bum with a spear under the fore paws ; this with them is a vital^ 
and almost unprotected part. The huge reptile squirmed on the 
ground, and cast a longing look at the fluid, which alone could 
give him relief, but rose again and collecting all his energies 
tottered to me, I saw at once, that I had a fair chance, and shot him 
•hrougrh *k* eye, he rolled on the ground, and exp^ed without a g*c»an» 



DISOOYIfcOB Df AFRICA. 

Daring the contest, in which the crocodile was defeated, a wil( 
bnll of the species, I have before described, wandered to the waters 
edge, and was so unfortunate, as to attract the notice of the 
crocodiles, one of whom seized him by the snout, and hurried him 
into the water Resistance was unavailing, a few bellows, a little 
blood, and the monster was sure of his prey. 

The negroes had killed another crocodile, and the mate of the 
wild bull, which had been devoured, one of these reptiles measured 
eighteen feet long, the other twenty. 

The flesh of the crocodiles, and that of the bulls was exceedingly 
acceptable to the villagers, who held a high festival on the ocasion, 
and created me a fetish or priest. 

The king was no* Cedent at the banquet, but sent me a mesa 
of pottage by a ^>i»»»>y young black damsel, who he informed me, 
was to be mj" *<$, but with many thanks, I informed his majesty 
that I was compelled to decline the honor My table was now 
amply supplied with fruits of all kinds, and the natives vied with 
each other, who should. load me with presents. The next day, I 
was invited to witness a solemn ceremony at the chief fetish or 
prayer house. About noon the next day, I was punctual. The 
fetish or prayer house was a tall thatched building, supported on 
posts, all of which were covered with rags, bones, and feathers ; a 
rude altar was erected at the eastern end, and twelve priests, with 
their wool plaited in long tails, and hanging down their backs, 
were in attendance, all were naked to the waist. The faces, arms, 
and necks of all these worthies were tattoed with representation 
of panthers, crocodiles, and serpents, executed with considerable 
taste , six soldiers guarded ten men. 

The king was seated on a kind of throne, covered with leopard 
skins, near the altar The priests commenced a low wail, and 
gradually raised their voices ; all the congregation, joining in the 
chorus, till the building rang wilh the discord The kiug now 
descended from his throne, approached the altar, and knelt, as if ik 
silent prayer, then approaching the shrine, grasped a monkey oy 
the head, stabbed it to the heart, and held it up before the people, 
who were now grovelling in the dust. The priests then joined 
hands, and danced round the sanctuary. Each as he passed the 
monkey, made a profound reverence. 

Tired of this frivolity, I raised my eyes to the roof, and saw 
that the beams were decorated with human heads, and it a* 



f* RECENT REMARKJLBLB 4 

one© flashed across my mind, that the luckless beings before me, 
were human sacrifices, and with a sense of loathing horror, I 
prepared to leave the temple. But the idea struck me, that I 
was a stranger in a land of savages, that I was perfectly helpless, 
and that though now a favored guest, should I alarm their preju- 
dices, I too might be sacrificed. These considerations induced me 
to remain, and I was confirmed in my opinion, when I saw an old 
woman watch me closely. 

A rude block was now brought forward, and the first chosen^ 
kneeling down, his head was severed from his body at a single 
blow; he made no resistance, which indeed would have been 
useless, all were decapitated. The bodies were carried away, 
and reserved for a feast, at which all the village magnates were 
present. Fortunately no invitation was extended to me. The 
moment, the last man was beheaded all tumultuously quitted 
the temple, and I going to my hut, took my gun, some cassava 
bread, and a book, and was absent about four days, as I judged 
by that time, all traces of the tragedy would have disappeared. 

When away I saw a quantity of birds and small monkeys, but 
shot nothing worthy of preservation. On my return, I was greeted 
warmly by the king, and invited to a banquet of hippopotamus 
flesh and fruit. His majesty then informed me that those men 
were offered up to the manes of the departed princes, that their 
heads, when preserved in the temple kept the nation from the 
influence of evil spirits, and that so long as they were renewed, 
no harm came on the Camma people, I made no answer, and after 
a somewhat lengthy harangue, the king dropped the subject, and I 
sought my couch ; the king was the sole speaker. 

The next morning at day break I was rather unceremoniously 
roused from my slumbers, by the intimation that a sick woman 
wished to see me, and found when I reached the spot, that the king's 
eldest daughter was extremely ill with fever; as I never travel 
without a small medicine chest, I prescribed, but the remedies did 
not act, and the king said, that if she did not recover in throe days, 
or was not better, he would send a messenger to the spirit land, 
and ask if something could not be done, six men were selected, who 
were bound and guarded in a hut, and the knife of the executioner 
was raised to the throat of one of the messengers to the celestial 
regions, when the whole community was aroused by the unexpected 
Advent of a famous medicine man and priest, who was making hit 



DISCOVERIES IS AFRICA. 95 

Iopt through the country. This, gTeat dignitary was jonducted to 
the bedside of the sick princess, the man's life was spared for the 
present, and sanguine expectations entertained of the speedy re- 
covery of the illustrious patient. 

This renowned medicine man or doctor, was a tall gaunt black 
individual, blind of one eye, and dressed in the most fantastic, 
manner. 

An ornament of grass, and another of antelopes hide, hung from 
his neck ; from the latter a box was suspended. Alternate stripes 
of leopard and elephant skin, were crossed on his breast, a pair 
of tanned bull skin leggings protected his lower limbs, a string 
of bells depending from his waist constituted his soie ornament* 
and a plume of black and red feathers completed his attire. 

He had evidently devoted some time and pains to his personal 
adornment. His face was hideously painted, two large crimson 
streaks were drawn around his eye lids, and two spoi3 of the same 
color, were on each side of his mouth ; one hand, shoulder and side 
of his mouth was white, the other coresponding parts of the lightest 
possible green. This grotesque figure, after a low obeisance to the 
king, opened his little box, and displayed a variety of small bones, 
and crocodiles teeth ; he next placed on a rtool before him, a small 
looking-glass, and a black flask containing powder, and the reputed 
abode of a powerful spirit, constituted his apparatus. At the same 
time he rattled some fish bones, and showed a human skull, which 
he repeatedly addressed. In fact, he wrought himself up to a great 
pitch of enthusiasm, and quivered in every limb, with excitement. 
A fellow beat a drum with two sticks, and the doctor called out in 
a loud voice, for all in the village to approach, while he would look 
in the glass, to see who was the evil spirit that occasioned the mis- 
chief. All answerd the summons, but the right man could not be 
found. At last the doctor declared, that there was a great an£ 
powerful spirit, and the moment, he quitted the palace, all the evil 
would be ended. The king after some reflection decided as I was 
Ihe only stranger, he meant me, and that I must take my departure. 
Remonstrances were useless, and I was forced on a very short notice, 
and with as many of my followers as could be induced to accompany 
me to quit the town. 

With the retinue I could collect, we proceeded still farther in 
the country, making encampments and stopping wherever any at- 
tractions presented themselves. 



r 




DISCOVERIES IK AJRIOA. 97 

STRAY LEAVES FROM MY DIARY. 

These negroes are revengeful beyond imagination. I had un- 
willingly displeased my bead cook, and he resolved, that I should 
die. He confessed, after he had prepared dinner, that he had 
put arsenio in some of the dishes, which he had obtained from 
my cases, and which I constantly carried with me to prepare 
specimens. Fortunately the dose was too large, and acted 
beneficially. The king was furious, and would have slain the 
man on the spot ; but I interceeded for his life, and the feilow 
escaped with a hundred lashes. The act was politic, and endeared 
me greatly to the people, among whom I resided. 

In March, 1858, I started for Goumbi, leaving all my effects in 
the charge of the king, and taking with me a number of articles, 
departed in a canoe, and after ten days, sail, reached the place 
of my destination. On the way there, we saw a vessel manned 
by the pigmies, whom I have before mentioned, and the nests 
of several apes, all tenanted ; but as I felt weak from the effects 
of the poison, I did not stop, but proceeded as rapidly as possible. 
On my arrival a place was alloted me, where I erected my lares* 
and penates, and after a repose of tnree days, I felt strong enough 
to recommence the labors of the chase. 

Eti, a famous hunter volunteered to accompany me, and wo 
■oon saw the tracks of a gorilla. 

"He is here" said Eti, u f am sure " the man was right, as to 
the animal, wrong as to the sex. Creeping cautiously along, we 
saw the object of which we were in search, and keeping out 
of sight, but within ai n fired, and like the rest we had met, 
her skin and bones enriched my collection. It proved to be a 
female, and was (which is rare in this species) nearly as Hrge as 
a male. The measurement was taken on the spot, but such dry 
details are uninterestir g to any, but the scientific reader. 

We camped out, arid for the next four days, all were generally 
employed in cutting branches, bringing poles, and fussing about. 
I undertook the commissary department, and a sharp keen witted 
little negro acted as cook under my directions. Some chickens* 
which constituted part of my luggage, were converted into soup^ 
and I killed two antelopes, and a wild bull. These furnished ou* 
table pretty well, and no one had aay just cause for complaint 



VO HJBCSX7 KBMARKABLE 

In the evening, after pipes had been handed around, and we were 
all enveloped in clouds of fragrant tobacco, I asked the senior 
huntsman, a venerable negro with white wool, what his people 
thought was the origin of the gorilla, and whether, he had seen 
many of them. The old man shaking the ashes out of his pipe. 
Answered in the words of the following legend : 

" Africa was more highly favored, than any other country in the 
'world, and had more natural advantages, but that it was true that 
the whites were smarter, than the dwellers in the fiery land. That 
'in the beginning the world was governed by a great magician, who 
had four daughters. To each of these, he assigned lands and 
countries, and Africa was bestowed on his second and best beloved 
daughter, and when her portion was given, the magician also 
created many beasts expressly for her convenience. The elephants 
were to carry her from place to place, their flesh would serve her 
as food, their tusks could be converted into ornaments, and their 
skins into shields. The birds were to fan her, with their wings, 
and sing for her, and the trees to produce the most delicious fruits, 
and wherever she walked, she trod on flowers. For a season she 
was happy, but this could not last forever, as it chances that a 
mighty sorcerer had beheld the queen of the Fan country, was 
smitten with her charms, and she was inclined to listen favorably 
to his addresses. But her father interfered, forbade the match, and 
introduced, a tall and hideously ugly man, who he said was the 
proper suitor for his daughter; it must be confessed, that the 
young lady was not in love with the personal charms of her adorer % 
who only had one eye, situated in the middle of his forehead, but 
who by way of compensation, had four arms, and eight hands. 
Precious gifts were laid at the feet of the young Princess, but she 
proved obdurate; the aid of the powers of darkness was invoked, 
"but all uselessly, the damsel would not smile. 

Mean while a fierce war ensued between the rival lovers, in which 
the gentleman who boasted of eight hands was defeated, and vowed 
Tengeance against his conqueror ; who took refuge in an asylum fur* 
aished by the princess. There the time passed happily, and the 
favored swain gave his mistress lessons in magic, till she became as 
great an expert in the black ait as himself. Circumstances, also* 
were propitious, her father was distracted by a revolt in his own 
dominions, and could not interfere, and the queen of the waters, 
who »*ld >««r eourt, under the earth, was a friend of both, and at 



DISCOVERIES IN ATRIC'A, $$ 

ker cave, glittering with all the gems that earth can produce, the 
euptials, were celebrated with great magnificence. The discarded 
lover who could scarcely witness such happiness, created lions, 
tigers, and leopards, and sent them here in droves, to vex, harass and 
destroy the people ; filled all the beautiful meadows with serpent* 
and the trees with vultures and eagles. Nor did he stop there, the 
atmosphere was clouded with gnats and all sorts of insects, and the 
inhabitants could scarcely breathe. The evil fairies inhabited the 
swamps and no one could go out after dark, as they were sure to 
be devoured by an enormous lion, which was on the watch lor such 
persons. The snakes, or demons, wearing that guise, strangled the 
babes in the arms of their mothers, and killed the sleepers, so that 
there was not a household where death had not been. 

The Princess, who loved her people was almost distracted with 
grief, and knew not what to do. Spell after spell was tried, but 
vainly, the evils increased. At last she determined on war, and 
the parties met on a large plain ; all the flower of the nation was 
there. The sorcerer had large armies of well trained lions and 
tigers, which obeyed his motions, and fought with the regularity 
of men. The Princess on her part had millions of well taught bee 
birds, which hovering in the air, picked out the eyes of her oppo- 
nents, and thus she won the day. But the husband, for whose sake 
the had risked so much was killed. A dwarf who was attached to 
the service of the sorcerer, knew his weak part, smote him there 
and he fell ; but the Princess was not without her redress. 
When a body of men on the other side came into her hands, 
she would not kill them, but would change them into beasts, and 
eould not decide at once what forms, they should take, and till she 
had determined, ordered that they should be fed, and given all that 
they desired. Finally after much deliberation, she resolved, that 
the would create a new animal resembling man, but without th* 
power of speech, and that they and their descendants should for- 
ever lament they were not men, and cherish a hatred to those more 
favored than themselves. The Princess also decreed, that in all, 
or nearly all the contests with men, that they should be overcome, 
though the ape should be the strongest, and that this should con- 
tinue, till a being with a gorilla for its father, and a woman for its 
mother should appear on earth, and that he should break the chain* 
imposed on his brothers and kinsfolks." 

Thtti emded the itora ef the hnnuman and all made their exits. 



100 RECENT REMARKABLE 

About ten o'clock the next day, when I was in the bush, ana 
screened from observation by the thick foliage, I heard a deep 
sound, which increased, and cautiously peeping out, I saw a female 
gorilla, and its young, quietly feeding on the pineapple. Stealing 
out the other side, I called my entire force, and the whole party 
iurrounded the animals. The mother -uttered a howl of mingled 
rage and despair, attempted to escape, but feared that something 
worse might happen, and squatted upon the ground in sullen des- 
peration. As if saying "you are the strongest, do what yon 
please," one of the men threw a lasso, round her neck, and the 
other a cord round her arms; thus overpowered, she made no 
efforts to free herself, but looked at her young. 

This imp, proved more refractory than its mother, tried to escape, 
but was eventually secured, though not without considerable re- 
sistance. On examination, it proved to be a female, was wicked to 
all who ventured to approach it, and cast longing looks towards 
its mother, as if desirous of being cradled in her arms. Eoots and 
berries were placed before the captives, but the mother remained 
motionless, refused to eat, and the next morning was found dead. 

The little one was not so much affected by imprisonment, wai 
strong and healthy, and freely partook of the food that was offered, 
but was untractable. No one could go near her, and when she 
meditated an attack, looked straight in the eye of the person she 
meap* to assault, and I often narrowly escaped a grip from her 
long thumb. She was exceedingly rapid in all her movements, 
but like the others of her race, captivity made quick work with 
her, and one morning, she was found dead. 

Confinement acts similarly on the beasts of all tropical climates. 
Lions and tigers are afflicted with pulmonary complaints and 
softening of the brain, and all the apes, that have been brought 
to Europe, have never survived more than two years. The 
cannibal nations of Africa, which consider human flesh as the 
greatest of all luxuries, are far more intelligent than the others. 
The gorilla ranks next as a delicacy of the table. The difficulty 
of procuring this meat, may cause a higher value to be put upon it. 

On the tenth of August, accompanied by my little cook, Jan and 
another man, I commenced a pedestrian tour in quest of game, 
but my toils met a scanty reward. My labor was not thrown 
away, for I met a second race of pigmies, if possible more singular 
than the first These dwelt about thirty miles from my last 



DISCOVERIES IK AFRICA. 101 

•topping place, and merit a particular description. The first class 
of pigmies, that fell under my notice, though hideously ugly, 
were marked by no particular deformity, but these people differed 
greatly from any I had yet seen in complexion. Their skins 
were of a reddish black, an indescribable hue. I had never 
seen before, and exceedingly tough. The arms were longer than 
those of most apes, and what was most singular of all, their 
skins were covered with tufts of whitish grey hair, which is 
annually shed every fall ; some three or four among them had 
also large scales on the breast, which I was informed, came from 
a species of leprosy. The gift of speech alone distinguishes 
these from the animal creation, and in fact, 1 doubt whether they 
possess the fine instinct of the gorilla. 

No advancement has been made in the arts, the prepaiation of a 
little coarse crockery, constituting their sole manufacture. A few 
birds and monkeys, are the only animal food of which they par- 
take. The huntsman, who was with me, understood their language, 
and they told him, that they rarely left home, though some were 
now absent in a canoe, which they purchased, as they are not suffi- 
ciently intelligent to construct a vessel, and they were too feeble 
to walk far, and the exertion was too great , some of them had 
never been out of the village. Their dwellings were the most 
inferior of any I have yet seen, mud plastered with thatched roofs. 
The habitation of the nshiego is far better adapted to his wants, 
and shows greater architectural skill. The interior was destitute 
of any ornament, scarcely a seat, and the proprietors either re- 
dined, or squatted on their hams. Their beds were dried leaves. 
These people rarely quit their own village, as they are exceedingly 
afraid of wild beasts, possess no arms, and have no strength to 
repel their attacks. 

Returning to my settlement, 1 made all my preparations, and 
after a march of five days resting at night, arrived at Obindje, 
where I unpacked the goods I had brought with me, and among 
others a small clock, which was the object of the greatest admira- 
tion to all beholders. A chief brought me in a female gorilla, 
he had just killed, and mentioned, that there was a new species 
of ape to be found in the woods, hard to take and seldom seen. 

This was enough, a hunting party was organized, and we started 
at break of day. I stepped into a colony of ants, and doubtless 
arufthed some thousands to death , the survivors avenged their 



102 RECENT REMARKABLE 

comrades, by stinging me very severely. I had scarcely freed 
myself from these intruders, when I heard the cry of Roo loo, 
Boo loo, repeated several times, and looking up a tree, saw a large 
ape, who eyed me with the greatest astonishment, as if hV 
could not understand, what it all meant. Brief space was allowed 
for these meditations, my companion and myself fired, and hia 
career was then and there ended 

No naturalist has ever described, and no European nas evei 
yet seen this species of the monkey tribe, the nshiego, it is unique. 
The head and face are oval with whiskers running below the chin ; 
the cheeks are sunken, and the cheek bones exceedingly prominent. 
The facial outline of this creature was better than any ape I have 
yet seen, and more nearly approaching the human physiognomy. 
The hair is long and black, and the arms are partially bare. The 
Tolume of brain was very great, and the resemblance to the human 
race, extremely marked. Its general structure does not indicate 
80 much strength as the gorilla ; but in point of cunning and 
sagacity the Noolookamba far exceeds the other. The natives 
could give me no accurate details, as to its -emper or habits, 
but all agreed, that it was very shy ; and hard to catch 

My mode of life in the encampment, is extremely simple, , I rise 
about five, and drink a cup of coffee, prepared after the Freneh 
fashion, and very strong, take to the bush, and hunt till ten ; then 
breakfast, stuff birds, and rest till three, again in the bush, 
till dark, when dinner is served, and I again resume my labors as 
A taxidermist, and sometimes sit up half the night, as a few hours, 
would spoil a specimen, which perhaps, I could not replace. 
Packed up camp, and struck into the forest ; the flies are exceed- 
ingly troublesome, and leave a sting behind, which is not so easily 
removed. A delicious subacid fruit, is found here in the greatest 
quantities, of which the gorilla is exceedingly fond. Here I 
trusted I should find something to repay me for my journey, and 
I was not deceived. An immense male rushed out of the woods, 
^and greeted us, with a terrible howl, resembling the roll of thun* 
*der. When I first saw him, he was distant about twenty yards, 
and I was on the point of firing ; when the huntsman stopped me 
with: "Not yet. 11 

The beast considered us attentively for a few moments, struck 
his breast, uttered another fearful yell, and then stood stilL Fero- 
city and despair were marked in every lineament of his face ; tht 



discoveries nr Africa 105 

kage tooth were ground against each other, and I could distinctly 
hear the noise they made. The skin of the forepaws moved 
backward and forward; he uttered a third roar, and again 
advanced, till he was within eight yards. My companion,, who 
had been watching all the proceedings closely, then whispered 
"steady, 1 ' and I fired, both balis taking effect. 

The old huntsman afterwards told me, u dont fire too soon, if yotx 
*niss, he will undoubtedly kill you." The thumb of this animal 
was 5 34 inches in circumference; its arm was a very large bunch 
of muscles, and has singular grasping powers. I can readily 
believe, that it can haul to its perch, and keep there any passing 
man or animal. But that it frequently seizes leopards I doubt, as 
none of the ape tribe are carnivorous. The face of this animal waa 
black, the body covered with grey hair, and the chest, which waa 
naked, resembled parchment. 

The forests abound with precious woods of which ebony and box 
are the most common. The former is found on all the ridges and 
hills; the leaves are long, sharp pointed, and of a very dark color 
in the younger trees, the black is mottled with white. There are 
also pink, chestnut and yellow woods. One tree, which fell to my 
lot, weighed after all the incumbrances had been removed 1500 
pounds. 

A temporary indisposition compelled my removal home, whither 
I was carried on a litter of boughs. Here I must bear witness 
to the kindness of the hard worked, overtasked women. Their 
culinary skill was taxed in the preparation of little delicacies to 
tempt my appetite. Their benevolence did not stop there ; when 
I awoke, I was sure to find some dusky form watching me, ready 
to gratify or anticipate my wishes. Two others were sick at the 
same time, and the whole village was infected with the idea, 
that some evil spirit was prowling abroad, and that the sorcerer, 
who called him out, must be slain, or the place wouled be 
depopulated. 

A boy of about ten years old was seen with some gree-greea, 
or charms, and the wiseacres of the community at cnce pronounced, 
that he had become a wizard, and subjected him to the severest 
tortures. Alarmed and suffering exquisitely, the lad confessed, 
all that they desired , that was sufficient. I saw what turn mat- 
ters would take, and offered any price for the culprit's life. But 
my prayers were unheeded, the mob fell upon him, and he was 
«oon cut to pieces. 



BISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. 105 

I had now perfectly recovered, and secured two rare birds, ana 

the ivory eating squirrel. This little animal follows in the track 
of the elephant, and even digs up their carcasses, for the sake of feed- 
ing on the ivory. Its long and sharp teeth often causing dentw^ 
which are remarked in the ivory brought from this part of Africa, 
Meat had become exceedingly scarce, tho sour cassava bread no 
longer sufficed, and to see what could be done, the chiefs and myself 
%iined a hunting party late in November. 

At six one morning we started in our search after food. The 
tracts of several leopards were seen, but we were in quest of food 
lot game. Two bulls grazing in the valley near a stream, were 
killed, and their flesh sent to the village. The women who 
accompanied us took charge of the cooking department, and 
prepared the tongue, and some stakes, after their fashion ; our 
appetite for animal food being thus satisfied, after a pipe or two, 
we began to look after other matters. We crossed a high table 
land, and distinctly heard a cry resembling the whine of a sick 
child. 

" I am sure," said Jan, that it is a nshiego ; we soon came up to 
it, and saw the female on all fours, sucking her young, while she wae 
feeding on the berries which grew plentifully around her. We had 
approached stealthily, and she was so engrossed in her occupation, 
that she did not hear us. She fell dead at the first shot. The little 
one clung to its mother, as it had concealed its head in her bosom, 
at thfi first report of the fire arms, plaintively crying hew, hew. 

The mother was black, but the offspring was pure white, and 
as it was only a foot high was readily secured. The parent waa 
the second specimen of this kind of ape, which had been shot by a 
European. 

The mother was apparently full grown, with thin eyebrows, and 
eyelids, and sparsely covered mth hair, where the skin was naked 
it was white. This color attracted considerable notice, and my 
aable escort, jestingly, affirmed, that if the gorilla was their cousin 
this ape was surely mine. The little one, after some attempts to 
win a look from his mother, attached himself to me, received the 
name of Peter, soon knew it, and would come when called. Three 
days and kind treatment reconciled him to his change of life, and 
lie greedily devoured rice, plantains, and crackers. Three weeka 
after hia capture^ he was perfectly acquainted with the village, and 
"Tpuld go into some of the huts ; but after a short visit, in variably 



106 RECENT REMARKABLB 

returned to his own place. Be tolerated the bit, ** viy passion- 
ately attached to me, and was never easy in my f4 ^ei/ce, unless, 
I held his hands, or stroked his head. Peter had one f^ul*, Ihich 
was a very great inconveinence both to myself and :ay friends 
He was an incorrigible thief, and though often severely beaten, 
Binned again, and as grieviously as before. At mealtimes, he 
would perch himself on the roof, and if he saw anything that 
particularly struck his fancy, would extend his paws, and whine. 
If no attention were paid to his demands, he would enforce them 
by shri 11 cries, till the coveted article was given for the sake of peace 
and quiet. 

He prefered boiled meat and fish to any other kind of food, and 
when he saw me drinking coffee, would if it were sweetened beg a 
eip, and if it did not suit his taste, would pemt to the sugar. He 
was fond of eating with the negroes, but never transgressed the 
rules of etiquette, as practiced, in that paifc of Africa, but always 
dipped his hands in the dish, at the same time with his sable hosts. 
He grew so rapidly, and became so intelligent, that I had strong 
hopes of taking him to Europe with me, ]mt the thought struck me, 
how would he bear such a climate as London in the winter. Peter 
was exceedingly susceptible to cold, wo r .dd hover about the fire, for 
hours at a time, and for the sake of the animal warmth woul<? 
chare the couch of some of the village :a. For this offence, he was 
severely chastised, but it was always repeated, no matter how often, 
or how severly, he had suffered for it* 

Peter had also another inconvenent failing he was a great 
drunkard, and no liquor ever came amiss to him. Beer and Scotch 
ale were his greatest favorites, and he broke my brandy bottle, 
after drinking the greater part of the contents, and when I 
returned, I f©und my precious pet on the floor in a state of deadly 
intoxication. He was gay, frolicsome, seemed in good health, and, 
relished the food given him ; one morning he seemed downcast 
extended his arms to be nursed, and refused both food and drink; 
he was put to bed, and warmly covered up, but all was useless, th* 
next day, he was like the rest, dead. As Peter increased in height, 
his skin assumed a yellowish tint. 

Several days after, as we were hunting the wild pig for the 
aake of its flesh, I heard a noise, which I thought was distant 
thunder. This was repeated, and I plainly recognised it, as the 
voice o*" a male goril a, to which the female responded, but mora 
faintly. 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. 107 

The forest shook with the sound, and the noise resounded from 
the most distant hills. In a few seconds the animal himself oame 
eut of the jungle, and was joined by his mate. I was alone, had 
only small shot to kill birds, and how was I to face this formidable 
pair. I shouted, but no one replied, and my companions in whose 
domain I was an unwelcome guest, Were determined to punish me 
for my rash intrusion. Fortunately, one of my truest friends, 
missing me for some time, came after me. He was no better fur- 
nished with amunition than I, but at a risk fired. The animals 
looked at both, and then without further ado, trotted off, at the top 
of their speed. The beating of the breast can be heard at least a 
mile off. These animals are in the habit of gnawing trees and 
saplings, which accounts for their decayed teeth. Some trees from 
four to six feet had evidently been cut through, and the pith, which 
is sweet food extracted. 

For the next few days, I devoted myself to bird shooting, and 
secured several rare specimens, utterly unknown to European 
ornithologists. Again there was a lack of meat in the village ; ths 
supplies came irregularly, and at long intervals from the coast ; guiu 
were put in order, such food as we had, wrapped in large leaves 
ficcompanied by some of the women, and cheered by all the juven- 
ile part of the community, we started on our journey. 

The party was divided. Six were to go in quest of wild hog» 
gazelles, bulls, or any other eatable animal. The rest with my 
eelf, should stalk the woods, for gorillas, one man said he would 
go single handed against the gorilla. The whole party, declaimed 
against such imprudent boldness, representing that if he found a 
gorilla, and did not kill it, certain death would be his fate. But 
no persuasions, could induce him to alter his determination, he was 
resolved, that he would take the consequences, and went alone. A 
half hour, or more elapsed, and we were busily engaged in shooting 
the birds in the trees, when we heard the repeat of a gun, followed 
by the roar of a gorilla. Guided by the noise, we hurried to the 
•pot, and there beheld a huge gorilla, holding a broken gun in hia 
hands, and glancing at the man, who went out to try his fortune 
singly. This unhappy individual was prostrate on the ground, and 
the drops of the death perspiration, had already gathered on hia 
brow. The gorilla was motionless, as if satisfied with the mis- 
chief he had done. It is one of the characteristics of this animal, 
that *^ter it baa killed or seriously wounded its opponent, it eoa 



108 BSCSKT REMARKABLE 

templates the bleeding mass before it, as if enjoying the misery 
©f its victim. 

Profiting by this knowledge, I drew my pistol, and fired, and 
*he beast mortally wounded, breathed his last, and fell on the ground 
near the man. 

Having thus avenged the deed we turned our attention to our 
suffering comrade. Leaves possessing healing properties, were 
quickly gathered, dipped in water, and bound on the parts, where 
he most complained of heat. He had lost a great quantity of blood, 
and the bones protruded from the abdomen. As I never travel 
without a whiskey flask, a portion of that fluid, mixed with water 
was poured down his throat, and he temporarily revived, and wae 
able to tell us, how he was reduced to his present fearful position. 
In the gloomiest part of the wood, he met a very large gorilla face 
to face, and the animal did not molest or notice him. He then 
loaded his gun, and when at a distance of eight yards, took as he 
thought a good aim, but the ball whistled by the gorilla harm- 
lessly, merely grazing his side. The alarmed and infuriated beast, 
annoyed at the report, made a number of hostile demonstrations* 
The hunter in his turn, began to repent the rash step, he had taken, 
and hastily reloaded his gun. But the action had not been 
unnoticed by his sagacious adversary, and the gorilla is as usual 
with his tribe, before commencing an attack, uttered the scream we 
heard, and stood still for a moment. The gorilla then tearing at 
the gun, wrenched it from the hunter, the weapon exploded in the 
scuffle, which maddened the gorilla with fear. The beast then 
approached the man, and with one blow reduced him to the state 
in which we saw him. Nothing could be done for the poor fellow, 
except to make him comfortable, and give him what he asked. 
He was taken home, and in three days died in the most excruciat- 
ing agonies. I examined the gun, which the gorilla had taken, 
and found it completely useless. The iron work was bent double* 
and some of the wood splintered. An unlucky accident befell me 
with this very gorilla. The men while I was waiting on the 
wounded sufferer, volunteered, to skin the animal. But to have 
time as they supposed, and to make a good specimen, broke all the 
bones, and crushed the skull. 

The dry season had now regularly oommenced, and the air and 
water teemed with life. Immense flocks of parrots, from the 
purest white, to the meat gorgeous red and blue, perched on the 



DISCOVERIES IK AFRICA 109 

frees and were shot down by dozens. The flesh ef these birds 
always tastes of the substances on which they feed. When rice 
and fruit form the staple of their diet, they are tender and well 
flavored. There was consequently no want of meat, and every one 
was satisfied. The flies and other insects are intolerable pests, and 
©ne can scarcely stir, or move, ^ ithout a drove settles on every 
part of the body. The snakes are greatly feared, the constrictor 
hangs from the tops of the branches, and concealed in their leaves, 
drops down on the traveller, and whether it be man or beast, is a 
matter of perfect indifference. In the twinkling of an eye, the 
prey is enveloped in his deadly and crushing folds. 

The curse of this conntry is the malignant fever, which spares no 
stranger, and I did not escape this terrible visitation. Pains 
ef every description racked me from head to foot. I did not exist, 
I suffered. Nerves, bones, muscles, and sinews all quivered with 
agony and I hovered between life and death for more than two 
weeks. I began to weary of my position ; my clothes ware nearly 
torn to shreds, and I could not replace them in this quarter of the 
world. I needed some friends. But in spite of all these obstacles, I 
sompleted, the time, I expected to stay. 

Another species of game, promising fine sport, has latterly pre- 
sented itself. This is the Bongo antelope, the most elegant of ita 
race, and unsurpassed in fleetness. Information was brought to 
the village, that a large herd had been seen, in a southerly direc- 
tion, and the people were all in a state of ferment. The flesh is 
juicy, tender, and esteemed as a great delicacy. A party of twenty 
men volunteered to go out as hunters. But as the occasion was 
in the eyes of the whole a season of particular solemnity, it was 
determined that the priests should make an incantation. The wise 
men of the tribe, also thought, that sacrifices should be offered to 
the deities protecting the hunters. 

A sort of scaffolding was erected, and analtar formed of two 
large stones and a piece of wood. Three priests painted in all the 
colors of the rainbow, ascended to -the shrine, their head dresses 
wore ornamented with the feathers of the grey parrot. The high 
priest was naked to the waist. His chest was painted with bright 
green flowers and lizards. An ornament of panther's claws encircled 
his neck, and a coronet of crocodiles teeth rested on his brow. 

The community prostrated themselves in the dust, and the 
thief priest ascending to the highest step, waved his hands ova* 



J 10 BECENT KEMAKKABLB 

the assembled multitude. Three parrots were brought, which were 
beheaded on the stone altar, and their blood, which was caught in 
a hollow dish, was mixed with earth, and carefully put aside. A 
small fire was then kindled, and the bones of the parrots consumed. 
The hunters then advanced two by two, and kneeling before the 
chief priest, were anointed on the crowns of their heads, the palms » 
of their hands, and the soles of their feet, with this mixture. Some 
of the ashes of the parrots, were thrown among the crowd, and the 
ceremonies were ended by a dance. This unction was intended to 
confer strength and power on the warriors, save them from all the 
ills, " to which flesh is heir " and guard them from the snares 
of the evil one. There is a superstition that satan at times adopts 
the form of a lion, or a tiger to lure men to their destruction. 

Thus protected, and trusting to good luck, we commenced our 
journey. Three miles were soon made. The African bird 
of Paradise, with its bronze back, and snowy wings, acting as a 
kind of advance. These birds are near the antelope, and rarely 
quit his vicinity, as they are fond of the insects, with which this 
animal is infested. To our great delight, we saw before us, a 
herd of thirty, most of them males cropping the fragrant 
herbage, and as yet unconscious of our presence. The manner 
of attack was speedily arranged, and a shot fired, which took 
effect on a fine male. The herd terrified at the loss of their 
leader, tried to effect a retreat, but vainly. Pieces of cloth 
fluttered before them, drove the animals back to their places, and 
two more fell. The hunter naturalist, in the wilds of Africa, 
feels severely the want of a dog ; with a brace like those at the 
Cape, I would not fear the redoubtable gorilla himself. Three 
more antelopes were streched on the sward. Ere the morning 
was over, we killed twelve more, in all sixteen ; with these, to 
the great joy of the inhabitants, we returned to the village. The 
people attributed our success to the efficacy of the incantation, and 
the power of the anointing. The color of this antelope is a bright 
chestnut, with a white crescent below the eyes. Each side is 
elegantly variegated with stripes. The following day, I went out 
in a swamp, with two others, to catch crocodiles. But the reptiles, 
as if guessing our intentions obstinately refused to quit their 
hiding places. On my return, I was received with distinguished 
honors. A grand feast had been prepared of the antelopes' flesh, 
and the place of honor was reserved for me. Besides the meat 



DISCOVERIES US AFRICA. Ill 

irhioh the hunters had brought in, wild parrots, cassava bread, 
and pigeons graoed the board. I was imprudent enough to si* 
down in my damp clothing, and caught another fever, which con- 
fined me to the house for more than two weeks. As I was 
recovering a trader came with a canoe, who considerately offered 
me a passage to the Gaboon country, As I was likely to bo 
benefitted by change of air and scene, I did not hesitate, and was* 
soon on my way to my old quarters, 

I arrived in Goumbi, to find my old friend, the king at hie 
last gasp. When he knew 1 was in the village, he asked for me, 
and I went at once to his bedside ; when the old king saw me, 
he said u help me for ) am dying." 

But it was too late, nothing could relieve him, and the following 
day, he expired. Then commenced a wail throughout the town, 
which did not cease for three days. At the end of that period* 
the body with great pomp, was escorted fifty miles down the 
river, to the place of interment. Then arose the cry what should 
be done to those who had put magic on the king ? I exerted, but 
vainly all my influence to stop these proceedings. My entreaties 
were disregarded, my bribes rejected, and a terrible tragedy 
enacted, which J shall never forget 

Every man was armed with axes, ana all the boys with spears. 
The* doctor began the work by exclaiming — u There is a woman, 
who lives near the river. She is one of those, who has 
bewitched the king." The words, were no sooner uttered, than 
the crowd, hurried, to the house of the ill-fated female, and 
dragged her to the brink ; she exclaimed " save me white man, 
save me." 

I hastened to the door, and recognised in the woman thev 
were dragging to certain death, the sister of a man, who had 
rendered me many services, and accompanied me in several 
expeditions. But I was compelled to remain silent though her 
agonizing and unavailing cries for help long haunted me. On* 
victim secured, a second must be had at any price. The crowa, 
who now began to thirst for blood, demanded of the magician, 
who was honored with the title of doctor, another. The sorcerer 
was silent for a moment, and then said. 

II That woman, who lives near the palm tree grove, has put 
magic on the king." 

This culprit was a member of the royal family, advanced i» 



DISCOVERTES EST UTKCA. 11* 

years, and of a dignified, and majestio presence. She well Knew 
what, was her impending doom. Facing her enemies she said 
with a haughty composure : 

" Lead me where you will, and lay to my charge, what you 
see fit, but woe to you, if you do not succeed ; my blood 
will be on your heads. I am a princess, and never did wrong to 
any one." 

Awed into silence, the mob offered no discourtesy, and her 
captors led her to the water's edge. Two other victims were 
selected, and thus ended the first act of the tragedy. 

The second act of the tragedy was opened by the doctor, who 
in a most inflammatory speech, mentioned why the prisoners had 
put magic on the king, who had been killed by such practices, 
The first had asked for some salt, and been refused. Hard wordi? 
followed ; he put magic on the king, and he died. The princes*! 
was accused. All the members of the royal family but she, had 
children. She therefore hated the king because he had offspring, 
and she none. She was therefore like the other guilty. A third, 
had asked for a looking-glass, and had been denied. The same 
fate wa& reserved for her, as the others. All were found guilty, 
and as the name of each was pronounced, he or she was saluted 
with shouts and execrations. In these ebulitions of populai 
feeling the relatives of the accused were forced to join. 

The sorcerer, the executioner, and the criminals entered a canoe, 
which was rowed into the middle of the stream. A portion of some 
drugs, which the doctor assured them, would facilitate their entrance 
into paradise was handed to each, and they were then decapitated. 
While this second act was performed, the drums were beating, the 
people laughing shouting and yelling, and all seemed mad with 
excitement. When the heads were taken off, all tried to cut a piece 
from the trunk, which they cast into the water, with shouts and 
execrations, when all was done, each returned home. The popular 
ihrist for blood was satisfied, and all was quiet. 

I determined to go to the east, for a little while, as the scon? 
just described, had not been beneficial to my nerves. I therefore 
got a canoe and ascended the river. On the way, I stopped at the 
hut of a man, who had showed me some kindness, and iovvA that; 
he was no more. lie had been trampled to death by an e'ephan^ 
which he had wounded mortally, but which had strength snougfc 
left, to stamp his slayer to death. Sundry presents of fruit 7egeta 



114 RECENT REMARKABLE 

bles, and birds were sent me as I passed along. After a safe a»o 
uneventful journey, I arrived at the village of Ashonga, in th* 
Ashua land. 

The crush of people, who had never before seen a white man waa 
immense. When I asked for game, I was told I must go further 
west. A message was brought from the king of the next village, 
with goats and plaintains. A desire was also intimated that I 
would also visit that place. To this invitation, I replied, by nam- 
ing the time, when I could start. 

On the day fixed, the attendants, who were to carry my baggage, 
presented themselves. Under their guidance, I speedily arrived at 
what may be called, the capital of that part of Africa. The best hul 
in the place was put at my disposal, and after I had been installed 
the king presented himself. I was exceedingly surprised at his 
appearance. This prince was then very far advanced in life, and 
in fact had every symptom of extreme old age. He walked slowly, 
and was bent double. Ilis face was painted white on one side, and 
red on the other. His majesty made me, a long speech, ending 
with a cordial welcome. He further added, that as he understood 
I was a great hunter, some of his men should accompany me ou 
an expedition. A present of plaintains, goats, and sugar canes, waa 
handed to me, and the royal party, the king walking last, made 
their exit. 

Next day, the king's children, all middle aged men and women 
came to pay their respects. For the next three days, I was be- 
sieged with visitors. This nation has made considerable progress 
in civilization. They are coal black, remarkably neat in their 
person, are always clad in gross cloth tunics, of black or brown, 
and their bodies are generally painted red. 

While on this journey I killed some wild bears and a white 
faced hog. This latter is a very large animal with an enormous 
head, and curling tusks, the body is immensely stout. He is very 
ferocious, makes desperate fight, and has often been known to 
wound his antagonist mortally. We saw traces of the gorilla, but 
met none of the animals. While passing through the woods, we 
heard the peculiar cry of the nshiego, and as there was no other 
way of getting at the nests, the trees were cut down. This was 
my first opportunity of inspecting the habitations of these apes f 
and found that the reports of the natives were correct. The ani 
mala were killed, and the skins added to my collection. 



IHSCOVKBLES IN APRIOJL 115 

Next day a* I vas making my scanty toilet, I was surprised to 
see one of the men who had accompanied me on the chase, painted 
with several colors, and covered with savage trinkets. He was 
itanding before a heap of stones ornamented with leaves and flowers. 
His hands were elapsed, and he was deeply engaged in contempla- 
tion. At last he turned to me, and said "lam going to the wtad^ 
t£ spirits." 

11 What do you mean." 

" Last night my father's ghost appeared to me, called to me, ane* 
f must go." 

Alarmed at these intentions I sent for Jan, and told him that 
K wished to see the senior huntsman. 

The man in obedience to my summons came before me, and 
making a low obeisance, asked what was my pleasure. I told him 
what I had just heard, and begged that he would use his influence, 
in dissuading the man from so wicked, and foolish an action. He 
listened attentively, and replied, that if his father had sent for 
him, he must go, and refused to meddle in the matter. The 
would-be suicide, had not yet committed the deed ; his countenance 
was resolute, and all expostulation would have been useless. 
Some were indifferent, and others considered it a highly merito- 
rious action. These last affirmed that he would soon be in the 
presence of all the gods, and charged him with messages to their 
deceased friends and relations. All then embraced him. This 
victim to superstition, leaning back, stabbed himself to the heart, 
and fell at the foot of the altar he had erected, bathed in his own 
blood. lie cast a wild glance around, raised his arms, and then 
sighing deeply, closed his eyes on this world forever. A grave 
was speedily dug, in which the body was placed with a canoe to 
earry him over the water, and a spear to protect him from the 
assaults of his foes. The corpse was almost invisible from the 
leaves and flowers with which it was covered. Two parrots were 
killed and thrown in the grave, lest food might be wanting, and 
the ceremonies ended. The business of the day proceeded as if 
there had been nothing to interrupt it No game was taken, and 
after a weary journey of two weeks, returned home, exhausted, 
footsore, and half starved. The day after my arrival, I had my 
h&i? cut, and as the locks fell to the ground, all the people rushed 
forward and eagerly seized them. The king followed the example 
ef his subjects, as he alleged that they would make excell""-* 



116 RECENT REMARKABLE 

Charms, and that in all probability he would never see a white 
man again, and that it was valuable to keep. Nearly three weeks, 
elapsed before I was* recovered sufficiently to commence ray 
projected tour among the Akingi. After holding out great prom- 
ises of prospective reward, I succeeded in inducing some five or 
six of my recent acquaintances to accompany me. The prairies 
were swampy, and the walking far from agreeable. We passed 
through a dozen villages, (as this part of Africa is populous) and 
as usual the inhabitants came out to gaze on the white spirit. At 
noon we reached the Origun river, which we crossed by means 
of a bridge. This was the first attempt of the sort I had seen in 
Africa, if indeed it might be called a bridge. This consisted only 
of a rope, strung across, and attached to trees on the opposite side* 
The passenger was forced to grasp the rope, push along in the 
best manner he could, and with his feet hanging in the water, 
trust to providence for his safety. The river is very deep, the 
current very strong, and a single false step, death. I watched 
with considerable interest those who crossed, as I was determined 
to go last. All with great fear and trembling I reached the opposite 
shore safely, though with the loss of a gun, and a pair of shoes, 
which dropped in the water. Nets were cast in the water and a 
plentiful supply of mullet and other fish landed. 

These when roasted on the embers made a very acceptable meaL 
W*e had scarcely finished before we were saluted with the roar 
of a gorilla. All seizing their guns at once hastened to the spot 
whence the cries came, and there saw a full grown male. As 
goon as the animal perceived us, he balanced his body with his 
arms, stopping every few seconds to beat his breast, and barking 
loudly. The hair rose on his head, and his wrinkled face was 
©onvulsed with terror. His eyes, gleamed like burning coals. 
For the first time, I had the opportunity of observing this ani- 
mal's lower limbs. Though short and massive, they cannot sup- 
port the upper part of the body, which tottered under its weight, the 
animal was therefore compelled to rest occasional y. While in 
this posture he beat his breast. The contest was short ; in a few 
moments he was stretched lifeless on the ground. A young female 
was brought in this afternoon, and the flesh proved, a very 
acceptable banquet to my* companions, but I never bring myself to 
touch it. The next mornings as I was walking in the meadow, I 
e&w one of the most enormous serpents of this part of Africa 



DISCOVERIES H? AFRICA. 117 

which kills by poison not compression. Fortunately, it is slow id 
Ha motions and very sluggish, and I killed the creature before it 
was aware of my presence. 

This serpent is double headed, and exceedingly dangerous to the 
traveller. It has the habit of concealing itself under sand, and 
suddenly darting on the passenger. The fangs are buried in th* 
flesh, and the sufferer must die. It is very short, rarely exceeding 
four feet in length, and has three horny projections on each head. 
The king of the Apingi came here to meet me bringing presents 
of fruit and fowls, which were exceedingly welcome. The follow- 
ing day, we entered his village. All flocked in a body to see the 
wonderful white spirit. Some were of opinion, that I should take 
off my shirt, to see if I were white beneath, or, if I were merely 
painted. Others asked me to remove my foot casings, so that they 
might see if I had toes like themselves. Soon however, all 
retired, without putting me to the inconvenience of making my 
toilet in public. I now cherished the hope that I would be 
allowed to prepare for rest. But I was disappointed, a modest tap 
informed me, that some one wished an audience. I answered the 
summons, and saw two club footed men, who informed me by 
ligns that they wished to enter. I complied with their request, 
and was subjected by my visitors to a close examination, after 
which, with many bows, they withdrew. I have rarely seen a blind 
er deformed African, and was much struck with these two. I 
afterwards learned that they came from a tract of country wheie 
all the inhabitants had a similar configuration of the feet. Anxious 
to witness the effect my musical box would produce, I placed 
it on a small stool, and was exceedingly pleased with the sensation 
it caused. Some approached with fear and trembling, as if in 
the presence of a deity. Others, less superstitious, came te 
examine it, and all were facinated with its tones While it was 
playing, I observed two snakes coming out of their noles to lister.. 
The boys hastened to kill these intruders, but when I learned th» 
they were harmless, I would not permit sufm cruelty. I watched! 
these creatures, which writhed their bodies about in the most 
pleasurable excitement, and kept awkward time to the music witk 
their heads. The people were so charmed with these contortions^ 
that of their own accord, and without any solicitations of mine, 
they placed some fruit before the snakes, but which was untouched. 
My ? ame had spread far and wide, and some lepers came from r 



I 



118 BEOENT REMAKKABL* 

considerable distance to ask for relief, and to <jeg that I would fro* 
them from the terrible disease with whioh they were afflicted. 
These men, for the sufferers from this disease, are nearly ail of the 
male sex, had been originally jet black, but were now a kind 
<* of yellowish white. Their skins were thickly covered ' with 
iglittering scales from head to foot. One had lost all the joints 
of the fingers, the other of the toes. The body was visibly 
erumbling, ere the spirit took its departure. These were soon 
joined by a third patient tormented with elephantiasis, whose 
limbs were swelled to thrice their natural size, and who could 
scarcely move. Though I sincerely compassionated the sufferings 
of these people, I could do nothing to relieve them, and was 
forced to dismiss them, in the same position as when they came. 
I hoped now to get some rest, but was again disturbed by hearing 
a hoarse cry and a sharp growl. There was a little commotion 
and all was again quiet. In the morning, I heard that a goat had 
been carried off by a leopard, and that a trap was set for the 
thief. Sticks were cut and planted in the ground about two feet 
apart. These were bound together with strong vines, and two 
sticks firmly lashed down were put on the top. A goat was thea 
placed in one corner as a bait, and the leopard, who could readily 
enter, could not so easily escape. 

This people have attained a sort of semi-civilization, and what 
for a black is very strange, they will work. The men have some 
ingenuity in the fabrication of a kind of cloth, (much in demand) 
made from fibres, which some of the natives cultivate, and in which 
they have a particular property. The country abounds in the oil 
palm, and, though it would yield an immense return, the natives do 
not seem to be aware of its value and great importance. Thou- 
sands of tons are annually wasted. 

The women here are no better treated than in other parts 
of Africa, and though not originally ugly, have made themselves 
hideous with lines drawn all over their faces. A curious incident 
ocurried which may give the reader some idea of the customs 
of that part of Africa. 

Shortly after my arrival I engaged a woman, who was neither 
young nor handsome, as maid of all work. 1 also promised thai 
if she would be faithful I would make her a handsome present ai 
my departure, and had every reason to be satisfied with the servant 
I had secured. One day after dinner, I was astonished at seeing a 



XH&0OYXBX1B8 US AFRICA. U& 

6io*pe of people enter the hut, who announced themselves as my 
relations, and thanked me for the honor I had conferred on the family. 
I was at a loss to understand what they meant and begged for a 
clearer explanation. I was then informed that I had i-iken their 
kinswoman to wife, and by the custom of the tribe, 1 was their 
brother, friend, and relation. To this I replied, that they labored 
under a mistake, that she was my hired servant, that I had not then 
or at any future period, the slightest idea of a more intimate alliance. 
My would be kinsfolks were not prepared for this, and I ended the 
farce by driving them all out with a stick. I thus practically 
informed them that I was not disposed to contract such a marriage* 
This little incident did not prevent me from being invested with 
the dignity of a prince of the tribe. The king himself informed me, 
that my music had driven away all the evil spirits that besieged 
the tribe, consequently the produce had been more abundant than 
had been known for years. That it was doubtless owing to my 
gracious presence, lie was resolved to make me one of the elder* 
of the people, and a day was set apart for the cermony. 

At the time which had been iixed, a body of the chiefs with 
their wool anointed with palm oil, and covered with sparkling dust, 
armed to the teeth, and dressed in their most costly robes, escorted 
me to the great square of the village. There I found the king 
sitting in a rude chair of state, draped with red grass cloth. Two 
boys with leopard skins thrown over their shoulders, confined at 
the waists with yellow girdles, constantly waved large palm 
branches around him. A group of women, decked with their 
richest ornaments, tatoed, were seen in the back ground. The king 
himself was painted red blue and yellow. This last being the 
state color, predominated. Green is used in mcmraing, and for those 
advanced in life. All the sorcerers were present tricked out in the 
most hideous paraphernalia. There was a great display of leopards 
teeth and claws, alligators bones and feathers. The high priest 
surpassed them all in the bravery of his ornaments. This dignitary 
sported on his brow, a well prepared snake skin, with the head 
hanging behind, as if alive; he was this day called mosli, and was 
painted in the most grotesque style. 

The doctor of the tribe howled savagely, and all joined in the 
ehorus. Two of the most famous wrestlers of the village, naked to 
the waist, exhibited their skill, and their efforts were rewarded with 
the most rapturous applause. The king now placed a coronet of 
V^Ufl^t feathers on my head, and the kendo was rung. This ii ft 



DISCO VERIK8 IX AFRICA. 121 

rude Iron sceptre, with bells, is seldom used, except on occasions of 
irreat state, and has been in the nation for many years. Another had 
been made, embellished with strips of leopard skin. This last wai 
handed u; me, with strict injunctions to keep it, and never allow 
ft to go out of my possession. The high priest then told me, thai 
if I lost, or gave it away, the most terrible evils would be my lot, 
and that ill luck would attend me wherever I went. I was now 
an Mder of their tribe. Thus I may say, I left England a com- 
moner, and returned a noble. Rude tables were erected spread 
with all the food that could be produced. A goat roasted whole, 
and decorated with flowers, graced the centre. Palm wine waa 
handed round in buckets, and a scene of the greatest mer.iment, 
followed by the most terrible intoxication snsued, the women as 
well as the men, partaking of the fiery liquid. The two club-footed 
individuals, who had been excluded from the eeremonies, came to 
the hut, and begged a little palm wine, that they too might cele- 
brate such an auspicious event. But I thought proper to deny 
their request, qualifying my refusal with the gift of some tobacco, 
a looking-glass, and a string of beads, with which they departed 
well satisfied. At this interview, they told me, some of their his. 
tory. They had been captured in a war with a distant tribe, by 
whom they had been purchased. They were considered as an in- 
ferior race, and discharged the most loathsome offices. The next 
day was quiet, and strange as it may appear, there were no traces 
of the last night's excesses. As I could scarcely expect to raise a 
party, I passed the time in visiting the houses of the weavers, who 
manufacture the cloth. The pieces are commonly two feet long, 
and eight inches wide, and are colored before they are woven. 
They make excellent mosquito nets, bars, and are impervious to 
rain. These articles constitute a considerable traffic, and sell ra- 
pidly on the coast. 

Tho woods abound with leopards ; one of the men, brought a 
Jail g'own male to my hut, and asked a tremendous price for the 
akin, ^vhich they value for ornaments, and to which a particular 
aancthy is attached. All parts of this animal are of great use to 
the negro. The flesh is seldom used except in cases of great 
distress. The skin of this beast, (which is generally cut with 
great *iare) is us**d as a belt. This girdle, after it has been duly con- 
aecrated by the fetish man, is to render the wearer invulnerable 
from aU attacks , either from wild beasts, armed foes, or evil spirit** 
Am each animal fields only one ornament, the ski up are costly. 



*22 RECENT RKMARKABLB 

While I >_.. speaking to the chief to day, a man eame up t« 
ihe place where I was standing, and putting his hand on my head. 
•aid, " you are mine, you are my master, and I belong to you — * 
will serve you." 

This ceremony is called bombo, and is a curious feature in the 
servitude of this people. If a slave be hardly treated by his 
master, or is otherwise unhappy ; he goes to another village to 
choose a new owner for himself. The person so selected canned 
refuse the offered boon. The former master can visit the place, 
and if he find his slave, has full liberty, and every privilege 
afforded to retake him. I had some difficulty in convincing 
the poor fellow that I did not need his services, and that I should 
soon quit Africa. At this intelligence, he exclaimed, that there 
was no luck for him in this world, and seemed greatly afflicted. 
The rest of the day I was compelled to act as laundress. No 
European or American, can have any iden, of the fi«»h of these 
people, from the highest to the lowest. The women could scarcely 
comprehend, that it was a matter of the utmost importance, that 
the clothing of the whites should be frequently washed. My 
duties in this department ended, I prepared for the last trip I 
shall make ki a canoe. 

I saw that my luggage, not forgetting m}' shoes, (which are 
exceedingly important to a traveller,) wascaiefully packed, took 
leave of my host, and sailed in a canoe to the village of Angoli. 
A chief, who came to sec me, asked me to visit him. I shall 
probably remain for a week or two. We arrived at midnight, 
and were received by the head-man of the village, who conducted 
me to the quarters the king himself had devoted to my service. 
Having signified my thanks for this courteous hospitality, I com- 
menced housekeeping, by hiring a woman who was to act as 
cook. This time I took care that there should be no error as 
I distinctly informed, my new hand maiden, that she was not 
wider any circumstances to consider herself my wife. I als<: 
impressed on her mind the fact, that a residence under the same 
roof was not to constitute a close bond of union. 

The next day, I saw the famous yellow spider, whi »,h is generally 
as large as a sparrow's egg } and of all colors, though yolJow gen- 
erally predominates. These insects bite fearfully, i;iid the wound 
is sometimes painful, and difficult to be healed. In gtfjue respects 
they are beneficial and act as scavengers, by ri< hmg the huts 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. 123 

•f cockroaches, by which they are infested, and which are some- 
times as large as full grown mice. The spider conceals itself in 
the crevioes, and drops upon its prey before its neighborhood is 
suspected. Nothing very special occurred on the journey, except 
when camping out, I accidentally trod upon a spider. The insect 
returned the compliment with a severe bite on the h step, which 
felt at the time like a puncture from a red hot needle. The 
wound soon healed, and no ill effects ensued. As "we were &oing 
down the stream an old woman in a canoe ran against us, and our 
little craft was capsized. Fortunately no lives were lost, and 
takimg our soaked boxes and selves to the nearest visage, de 
manded hospitality, which was freely granted. 

I had not been in the hut more than ten minutes, when my 
olfactories "were greeted with an extremely loathsome smell. I 
asked the reason, and was told that it proceeded from the dead 
body of my host's mother, who had been out of the world for a 
week or more, and who was not yet buried. It is the custom 
of these people, not to commit the corpse to the earth, as long as it 
will hold together. The atmosphere was so stifling, that I was 
compelled to walk out. Whilst in the open air I was surprised to 
gee a man with the corpse on his shoulders, which he deposited on 
a pile of turf. lie next placed some ornaments near it, covered it 
with stones, and left it thus, till a more solemn interment took 
place. 

The wife of one of our neighbors kad presented her husband 
with twins, and the third day after the event I was especially in- 
vited to see these additions to the community. The father, who 
was a man of wealth and consideration, had two huts. The inner 
was occupied by his wife and her attendants. The outer was 
filled with the doctor, a priest, and some friends. My advent was 
not unexpected, and when I entered the inmates of the room 
saluted me with great courtesy. A pail of water was placed near 
the window, and one of the babies was brought from the inner 
hut. There was a pause which was broken by the priest com- 
mencing a solemn chant, in which the others joined. The infant 
was then seized and plunged into the water. The following 
sentences were repeated in a loud voice ; " We devote thee to tho 
powers of evil, and hope, by thy destruction, to pacify the malev- 
olent spirits." I could bear no more, but hastily quitted the hut, 
•otwiihstanding the remark, " take care, he put obi on you," Tha 



124 RKCKNT REMARKABLE 

people of this, and tne surrounding districts, have a super&titioii 
in the case of twins, that if both the children are permitted to live. 
The mother will surely die. I indeed saw a woman who had th« 
courage to break this frightful law. Both she, and the children 
lived ; but this was considered, as a piece of extraordinary luck, 
and which might never happen again. 

The natives also allege, that the children thus sacrificed, and 
all those who die under eight years, are converted into the love 
God, the diminutive parrot I have before mentioned. I was 
exceedingly anxious to visit the great waterfall. When I hinted 
my intentions, a party was formed, and we set out in a canoe, 
drifting down the turbid yellow current, at the rate of £ve miles 
an hour. The scenery became bolder, the current more rapid, 
the distant booming of the cataract was audible, and the rapid* 
swelled, and became very dangerous. Attaching the canoe to the 
shore, we held a council, as to our future destination, and it was 
decided, that we should camp out. The fires were kindled 
a chicken killed, and one of the men caught a lizard, which he 
pronounced delicious, but which, I could not bring myself to 
taste. We heard the cry of a leopard, bnt no hunter, will ever 
attack that beast in the dark, as it then has decidedly the 
advantage, and the man's death is almost certain. I did not feel 
any anxiety, as I knew that the flames would frighten off all 
wild beasts of every description, and the night passed tranquilly. 

The day was beautiful as if it had been created expressly for 
the occasion. Flowers of all hues, and emitting the most exquisite 
fragrance, sparkled with dew. Green and gold lizards, whose 
skins shone in the sun like gems, timidly stole across the path, 
Birds of the most varied plumage, flitted gaily from bough to 
bough. The tall trees waved in the breeze, and the wind softly 
whispered among the leaves. My feet were rather bruised, but 
one of my friends had not forgotten me, and produced a pair 
of leopard sksn sandals with wooden soles. Thus equipped, we 
started. After proceeding for about three miles, the character 
of the country was entirely changed. The place we had just left, 
was comparatively open. Here the forest was so dense, that though 
it was scarcely midday, it was rather dark. The/ Richness of the 
•oil was attested by the tall and splendid palms, the goldea 
bannanas hanging in the richest clusters, and the wild pine-epm^ 
■which offered Us delicious fruit 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. lib 

I looked for traces of anhnals, but k was evident, that this soli* 
tilde, was rarely broken, bj either man or beast. Huge flocks 
of parrots of all sizes, from the common gray variety, so well 
known in Europe; down to the tiny love God. This last bird is a 
perfect living gem. In size, it is rather less, than an English 
sparrow, I have mentioned elsewhere the priestly superstition 
attached to it. The bee- bird, and the pride of the African forests, 
nestled in the trees. I did not see an insect, and that was exceed 
ingly uncommon. I did not perceive any snakes, though I had 
a dread, that one might start up, and with its rude hissing disturb 
my illusion. The whole scene dawned upon me rather as the 
vision of a poet, than an actual reality. The trees were connected 
by vines of the deepest green, bearing flowers of white, purple, 
and scarlet. Even the huge granite builders, which constantly 
met the eye, were robed in the most gorgeous crimson lichens. 
The heaths were magnificent, and of all colors. I could have 
loitered for hours in this Elysium, but my companions were anx- 
ious to proceed, and after walking a mile farther, we came upon 
the object of our search. But words are inadequate to portray 
this great masterpiece of nature. All the waters in this part 
of the world, seem to have been collected in one vast resevoir 
where they seethed and surged, as if heated by some invisible 
fires. A huge mass of rock, formed a base, over which the flood 
poured at an elevation of one hundred and fifty feet. The water 
was of the purest white, and dashed over the muddy rocks till it 
was churned into a deep brown. No fish can live in these waters. 
My eyes rested on the wide expense, and I was silent, at the gran- 
deur of the sight. My attention was aroused, and I was recalled 
to myself, by the violent gesticulations of my companions, as 
they stood in a group by themselves. I was curious to see what 
was the matter, and approached the water's edge. A crocodile was 
there struggling with the current, his eyes were open, and his jawi 
extended to their utmost width. Though he twisted and turned, 
he could do nothing ; the water was too strong ; he was swept 
away, and we saw no more of him. The water, which fell over the 
rocks was clear as crystal ; that in the stream was of the deepest 
green. The rocks near the fall were of a grandeur and size, 
that beggar all description. 

The sun, as it shone, drew from the water, all the colors of the 
rainbow. The ferns in the immediate vicinity, did not differ frosi 



126 RECK NT REMARKABLE 

those, I had seen in Europe, and some parts of Asia. We returned 
the same way we came, and I added some rare specimens to my 
collection of birds. A monkey, boa constrictor and some birds 
were shot, wnich gave the men food, and encouraged them to pro- 
ceed further. At last weary, and perfectly exhausted in both body 
and mind I fell; the ground reeled before me. I rose, but again 
sunk on the earth. The wildest visions floated before me. Ele- 
phants led out the hippopotamus, and danced a rough quadrille* 
(while crocodiles and alligators uttered the most dismal howls by 
way of accompaniment. Gorillas waltzed by me, and the apes in 
the trees grinned approbation at their evolutions. While a quantity 
of leopards and tigers in the back ground, were playing at bil- 
liards. 

Then the scene changed, and I thought I was in the midst 
of a splendid ball-room, surrounded by all the elite of Europe, 
and seated between the emperor of France, and the president 
of the United States. I thought I was recounting my adventures. 
All then was chaos and when I next recovered my senses, I was 
on the ground, while two negroes bathed my head, and used all 
the means in their power to restore animation. I was dozing 
and partially opened my eyes. I heard the cry of a gorilla, and 
saw a fight, but was too weak, to participate in it. The men 
killed the animal, and ate the flesh but I could not taste it My 
companions, could scarcely wait, till it was cold, but tore it limh 
from limb, and greedily devoured it. They had not however 
been unmindful of me. Some parrots were cleansed of their 
intestines, wrapped in leaves, buried in the earth, and a fire 
kindled. A few plaintains were also found, and the delicate food 
acted as a charm. I was now ready to go on, but the want, 
of shoes was a great drawback, and what to do was a matter 
on which no one could resolve. I then proposed that sonu 
two or three should go as a kind of delegation to the next 
village, and make known my wants. A universal negative was 
at once pronounced. I was a powerful spirit, and if they left 
me, they should die. I was higher than they, and could do any 
thing I pleased ; once away, it would be all over. It then seemed, 
that I was to be a prisoner. The rags, and relics of my shoes 
would not carry me ten paces. 

The senior huntsman put his ear to the ground, and exclaimed, 
u I hear something," motioned to the men, and concealed themselves 
in the thickets. Doubts were boob changed into certainties. The 



DISCOVERIES IN AFRICA. 121 

Itm of the bee-bird was distinctly audible, aDd four antelope* 
■ext came on the scene. The men rushed out of their hiding plaoes 
and fired. The shots were harmless. But the animals were sur- 
rounded, and escape was prevented. Anxious to be in the fight, 1 
nobbled to a tree, supported myself against it, gave the signal, and 
all fired at once. All the antelopes were killed, and in lice, 
toe camp was a place of the greatest activity. 

I was now perfectly well, and the march was resumed at the 
rate of twenty miles a day; always stopping at noon for a siesta. 
The smaller game was more plentiful, and though no new varieties 
presented themselves, we did not want for food of all kinds. The 
streams abounded with fish, which were readily caught by the men. 
At last we reached the chief town of the Isogot, where I rested a 
week, and began to feel homesick. The people lavished upon me 
all sorts of attentions, and spared no pains to please me. One 
mother, whose child's life, I saved by the timely administration 
of a few grains of calomel, made me a complete suit of leopard 
akin from "tip to toe," elegantly tanned, and nicely lined wita 
grass cloth. Another ingeniously constructed some goatskin leg- 
gings, after some sketches I made. The chief of the tribe, who 
was a man of considerable natural ability actually made me an 
overcoat of the same. This last was invaluable. This kind peo- 
ple pressed me to remain, assuring me, that I should want for 
nothing, if I would make my home with them. But my task wae 
completed ; I had seen every thing ; I had penetrated further into 
the country than any other European, and wished again to reside 
in the abodes of civilization. On the evening before my de 
partore, I wae entertained at a banquet 



TUB END 




STANLEY'S GUIDE. 




The Gorilla.— Sketched by Dr. Livingstone. 

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